Cancer and biopsies - Essay Example

? Cancer and biopsies of the Cancer and biopsies Introduction Based on Science Daily Newspaper that covers scientific themes and issues, my preffered topic from this newspaper is cancer and biopsies. With reference to the article dated 8th December 2011, the article caught the interest of majority of its readers since it helps in passing the information, and creating awareness on one of the most common killer disease on the planet called cancer. Basically, cancer has been a major killer disease on the entire planet and therefore, it is interesting to study and provide information in this area so as to enable various individuals and professional gain. This will also assist in coming up with a collective responsibility in fighting the disease all over the world. It is therefore, necessary to provide the scientific and medical information regarding its causes, how it is spread, prevention and the future vision concerning its approach. Background information on cancer Cancer is a category of diseases that is characterized by out of growth of the body cells. In this case, cancer is classified according to the type of cell it originated from or the one that was priory affected. Cancer damages the body particularly when the damaged body cells continuously divide uncontrollably to form lumps of tissue known as tumors (Phelan, 2009). These structures grow and hinder the functioning of various body systems such as digestive, nervous, circulatory systems by releasing hormones. Cancer that affects human body is grouped into five classes that is, carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, leukemia and adenomas. Development of cancer Mostly cancer is the ultimate result of body cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. This is different from normal cells in the body that follow an orderly path of growth, division and finally, death. The cells that emerge to cancer are those that come from a programmed cell thus when this process breaks down then it lead to cancer (Colditz and Hunter, 2000). Unlike regular cells; cancer cells do not encounter programmatic death but instead grow continuously out of control. This abnormal growth of cells results to a massive number of abnormal body cells. On the other hand, cells can undergo unusual enlargement in case there are damages or mutations caused to DNA. This can lead to the damaging of the genes involved in the cell division. The cell division process is enhanced by four key types of gene: the ontogenesis that tells cells when to divide, the tumor suppressor genes that controls the cell when not to divide, suicide genes that manages or handles the apoptosis. Therefore, cancer results when a cell’s gene mutations hinders the cell from correcting DNA damage and unable to commit suicide (Phelan, 2009). Similarly, cancer is as a result of mutations that slow down tumor suppressor for gene function that causes the uncontrolled cell growth in the body. Cancer can also be caused by substances that contain carcinogens, carcinogens are substances that directly damage the DNA thus promoting or aiding cancer. Examples of carcinogens include: tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, and radiation such as gamma rays and x-rays, the sun and chemical compounds from the car exhaust fumes. When our bodies are exposed to these substances, free radicals are formed that obtain electrons from other molecules in the body. This free radicals damage cells and interfere with the normal functioning of the body cells. Consequently, genetic predisposition that is inherited from family members can also lead to cancer. There is high chance of an individual with certain natural genetic mutations or a fault on a particular gene that makes one have a high probability of developing cancer later in life (Tam, 2011). Moreover, there is an upsurge of possible mutations of the genes that causes cancer varies proportionally with age. This implies that as one grows old there are high chances that he or she can contact cancer. Conversely, several cancers have also been linked to cancer such as hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr virus, human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus. Symptoms of cancer When cancer has developed in the body, its symptoms can be noted depending on the location of the attack. Therefore, some cancers can be seen or felt through the skin by indications such as a lump on the breast and testicle, changes in a wart or mole on the skin might indicate skin cancer (Yarbro, Wujcik and Gobel, 2011). In addition, oral caners present white spots on the tongue or inside the mouth. Various symptoms can also be created due to the growth of tumor that pushes against organs and blood vessels, for instance colon cancers can lead to symptoms like, diarrhea, constipation and changes in the size of the stool. Bladder and prostate cancers makes the bladder to function differently thus causing infrequent urination. Eventually, as cancer consumes the body’s energy and interferes with the regular body hormone function it generates symptoms such as fatigue, fever, anemia, excessive sweating, and weight loss (Yarbro, Wujcik and Gobel, 2011). As cancer spreads in the body other symptoms are presented too, for instance, if it spread to the brain it results to vertigo, headaches or seizures, when it spreads to the lungs it causes coughing and breathe shortness. It also enlarges the liver resulting into jaundice and finally it makes bones to be painful, brittle and easily broken. Treatment and prevention Early detection of cancer can greatly improve the odds of survival and successful treatment .this diagnosis involves several procedures and techniques such as CT scans, X-rays, MRI scans, PET scans, and others such as ultra sound scans. These techniques are therefore, used to identify the various locations of the tumor and the organs affected (Phelan, 2009). This procedure involves extracting cancer cells and examining them under a microscope. This is the only absolute way of diagnosing cancer thus the procedure is referred to as biopsy. Biopsy therefore, involves extracting and examining cancer cells and also analyzing there contents such as sugars, fats, proteins and DNA at the molecular level. For instance, cancerous prostate cells produce a higher amount of chemical known as PSA (prostate specific antigen) into the blood stream which is easily detected through a blood test. A biopsy may be done when mammograms or the physical examination finds a change that may be cancer (Tam, 2011). There are three kinds of biopsies such as bone marrow biopsy, endoscopic biopsy and needle biopsy. Bone marrow biopsy involves analyzing a sample of a bone marrow to detect any abnormality especially from the blood. During this procedure the doctor draws a sample of a bone marrow out of the back of your hip bone using a long needle. It is commonly used to detect various blood problems such as blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Endoscopic biopsy entails using special tools to see and analyze tissue structures incase of any abnormality. These tools are in the form of tubes that can be inserted in the mouth, rectum, urinary tract and small incision in the skin. These procedures include; cytoscopy, bronchoscopy and colonoscopy which are used to analyze the internal structures of the body. Finally, needle biopsy involves using a needle to extract cells emerging from a suspicious area (Colditz and Hunter, 2000). This procedure is often used on tumors that can be realized through the skin like suspicious breast lumps and enlarged lymph nodes. This together with other procedures such as x-rays can be utilized to gather cells from a suspicious area that is felt through the skin. Examples of needle biopsy include core needle biopsy, fine-needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted biopsy and image guided biopsy. Cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, age, health status and personal characteristics of an individual. There is no single treatment for this eradicator disease and thus an individual should receive a combination of therapies and palliative care. Cancer treatments can be in the form of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immune therapy and hormone therapy. On the other hand, cancer can be prevented by avoiding behaviors like, smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol. Skin cancer can be vetoed by staying in the shade, protecting yourself with a hat and a shirt when in the sun (Tam, 2011). Eating foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and those with low levels of fat helpsa also help reduce cancer. References Phelan J. (2009).What is life: A guide to biology? W H Freeman & Co. Publishers This book highlights various basic life sciences regarding biological conditions especially in the human body as well as providing explanations regarding the biological conditions in the body. It further explains how these biological conditions such s cancer can be handled and provides more information of the same. Yarbro C. H., Wujcik D. Gobel B. H (2011). Cancer nursing: principles and practice: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. This book examines practices and principles and provides the latest information involving oncology, hypersensitivity reactions, targeted therapy, mucositis and family and care giver issues. This information is regarded of greater use to various professional in formulating various solutions to the problems regarding cancer in the body.  Graham A. Colditz, David John Hunter (2000). Cancer prevention: the causes and prevention of cancer: Springer publishers This book examines various measures of preventing and treating cancer. It offers a summary of statement on what can be done by health care providers, through various structural interventions implemented by the medical industries especially in the United States .it also facilitates various prevention services to aid in promoting healthier environment and lifestyle. Tam P (2011). Updated biopsies could save breast cancer patients’ lives: Study available online This article provides information on the importance of updating biopsy that will enhance frequent and early detections of cancer mostly in the women. Through biopsy doctors are able to formulate changes on treatment to their patients. Read More