The cancer cells in the tumor do not respond to the signals sent by the immune system to stop dividing and die. Because of this, cancer can spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, and brain. This type of cancer is still called breast cancer because it began in the breast. But cancer that has spread to the liver is known as metastatic lung cancer.
The word cancer itself means “uncontrolled growth of cells.” This growth is caused by the breakdown of the normal controls of the body. The extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a tumor. Not all cancers produce tumors, however. Cancer without tumors is a rare form of the disease, and the overall incidence has been decreasing for several decades. Still, about 39.5 percent of Americans will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime.
The main difference between hyperplasia and cancer without tumors is the type of cell growth. While some cancer cells have abnormal chromosomes, others may have a doubling of the chromosomes, and some will produce more energy than normal. In any case, cancer cells cannot survive without these characteristics. To combat this, researchers have developed treatments to specifically target these features. These drugs are aimed at destroying the cancer cells and slowing down their growth.
Although researchers aren’t certain what causes cancer, experts have discovered certain characteristics that increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. These characteristics are called “risk factors” and can be controlled. Environmental factors, such as UV exposure in the sun, and initial infection with a virus or bacteria, can cause certain types of cancer. Inherited genetic factors may also lead to cancer. Approximately five to 10 percent of cancer cases are caused by faulty genes.
Some cancers are difficult to detect early because there are no screening guidelines. But by getting regular blood tests, reporting any new symptoms, and discussing your family history with your doctor, you can increase your chance of surviving cancer. And you can also learn more about cancer through research and other resources, such as nutrition and chemo. These programs may help you avoid cancer altogether. These studies are crucial for early detection and treatment. Even if there are no visible tumors, cancer without tumors is still difficult to detect.
Although cancer without tumors is a rare type of disease, it can be treated. The first step is identifying which organs have cancer cells. Doctors will examine these cells under a microscope. Tests are then performed to determine the organs affected by the disease. Once these tests are complete, your doctor will be able to determine whether cancer has spread throughout your body. And if it has spread, treatment will be tailored to your specific case.
In addition to cancer with tumors, there are several types of cancer that do not form any visible signs. These include leukemia, most types of lymphomas, and myeloma. However, cancer without tumors is not a sign of impending death. Instead, it is a sign of a more advanced stage of cancer that will likely require treatment. Several types of cancer have different names, depending on their stage of development.
