Why Causes Cancer Cells to Replicate and Spread?
The human body, a complex biological machine, comprises trillions of microscopic building blocks called cells. Each of us began our journey as a single cell, which underwent a replication process, creating an identical copy of itself. This process of division continued, and the two cells formed four, four became eight, and so on, resulting in the formation of a cluster of cells.
The intricate structure of our body is composed of various types of cells, each of which performs a specific function. From forming a toe to repairing damaged tissues, every group of cells is highly specialized in its own way. Despite the diversity in their functions, all cells share a common destiny- a programmed death known as "apoptosis." This process enables the creation of new cells through replication and helps maintain the body's balance and functionality. Cells can identify and join with specific cells, adhere to them, and cease replication when necessary. Every cell type has its unique role, along with a set of instructions encoded in its DNA. These instructions direct the growth of fingers on our hands, the development of our skin, and numerous other critical functions. Our body's cells are remarkable in their capacity to perform intricate tasks and maintain our health.
Our fingers are composed of both skin and nails. If we accidentally cut our finger, the skin cells will immediately begin to reproduce and form a new skin to heal the injury, whereas if we lose a fingernail, our cells will generate a new one. However, it is essential to note that our cells cannot generate extra fingers, even if we were to lose one. Our cells are programmed to follow these pre-established rules and do not deviate from them.
Hormones and the lymphatic
Our body's communication system is powered by hormones, which send messages to our cells to trigger them into action. Our blood conveys these messages through a network of blood vessels, which also transport vital nutrients like oxygen and glucose to keep the cells alive. After the cells have utilized the oxygen in the blood, the blood vessels carry away waste products and oxygen-poor blood. The lymphatic system, a crucial part of our immune system, acts as a cleaning mechanism to remove unwanted bacteria from our body, ensuring we remain healthy and free from infections.
Cancer and other growths
The cells in our body are the foundational units that carry our genetic information. However, sometimes, the DNA in these cells can become damaged due to a range of factors like radiation, chemicals, or other environmental influences. This mutation leads to the formation of abnormal cells that have different appearances and properties than normal cells. When these cells grow in body tissue, it is referred to as "dysplasia."
Our Immune System
Our immune system, if healthy, can usually control the growth of these abnormal cells. Sometimes, they may even disappear on their own. However, if they keep changing and start dividing uncontrollably, they can form masses of tissues or growths called tumors. These tumors can invade nearby tissues and organs, causing damage to the body and leading to one of more than 200 diseases we know as cancer.
This is why it is essential to keep a check on our health and be aware of any unusual changes in our bodies. Regular check-ups and screening can help detect cancer at an early stage, making it easier to treat and manage.
Malignant versus benign
The main difference between malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) tumors is that malignant ones can spread into the surrounding tissue, destroy it, and cause other tumors to develop. Malignant tumors can be life-threatening. However, certain kinds of cancer develop so slowly in older people that they do not lead to any problems in their lifetime. Benign tumors usually do not cause much harm and are generally not life-threatening. But there's no guarantee: benign growths can become dangerous if they grow exponentially or even become malignant after a certain amount of time.
What Cancer Treatments Can Do
Cancer is a life-threatening disease that can affect anyone. Fortunately, there are many different types of cancer treatment available to help remove the malignant tumor or limit its growth and spread. Surgery can be an effective option for some cancers, as it involves removing the tumor from the body. However, in some cases, the tumor cannot be removed using surgery alone. In these instances, medication (chemotherapy) or distinct types of radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery.
The treatment options available for cancer patients depend on numerous factors, such as the type of tumor and the stage of the disease. Chemotherapy involves the use of cytostatic drugs that aim to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing further. Other medications may be useful in preventing the development of new blood vessels that feed the tumor, slowing its growth. Hormone therapy is another option that can help reduce the effect of hormones and other chemical messengers on cancer cells.
In recent years, researchers have been developing both new medications and new medical devices (such as Leo Cancer Care's upright radiation therapy system to take our fight against cancer to the next level. These innovative treatments show great promise in limiting the growth and spread of cancer cells. Despite the progress made in cancer treatment, there is still much to learn about this complex disease. Researchers are continuously exploring new ways to improve cancer treatments, and with time, we will find a cure.
Please note: The Leo Cancer Care technology is not yet clinically available and will not treat patients until the required regulatory approval has been achieved.