Cancer is a group of abnormal cells that spread to other organs. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells ignore signals that tell them to stop dividing and die. This allows them to invade nearby areas, multiply, and spread to other parts of the body. Normal cells do not travel around the body and stop growing when they meet another cell. Cancer cells can also trick the immune system into helping them grow. Some cancer cells even trick immune cells to help them protect the tumor.
A biopsy of cancer cells can help determine whether it is stage 0 or a higher-stage. Stage 0 is called cancer in situ, while stage 3 means the cancer has spread to nearby organs. Stage 4 is called metastatic cancer, since it has spread beyond the primary site to other parts of the body. It is usually treated before it progresses to stage 4.
A diagnosis of cancer without a tumor is difficult because doctors don’t know exactly why certain people get cancer, and there’s no way to tell if a person is sick if they don’t have a tumor. But, it’s important to remember that cancer is not contagious. You cannot catch cancer from another person. It’s not transmitted through germs, and interacting with cancer patients and their families is usually harmless.
After a period of time with no tumors, a cancer patient may be declared cancer-free. This change often coincides with a transition from active surveillance to survivorship, which requires less frequent checkups. The terms remission and cancer-free are often used interchangeably. Neither term is a positive diagnosis. If you’re unsure of the meaning of remission, consult with a medical oncologist.
Most types of cancer do not form a visible tumor. These include leukemia, most types of lymphomas, and myeloma. Cancerous tumors develop in tissues covering internal organs. Sarcomas, on the other hand, develop in tissues supporting the body, including muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and cartilage. Cancer without a tumor is rare, and many people have successfully treated it.
Surgery is the oldest form of treatment for cancer. Approximately 35% of cancer patients will undergo surgery at some point. While the cancer is removed, healthy tissue is also removed to ensure that the tumor is completely gone. Surgery is a good choice if a diagnosis has already been made. If you don’t have a tumor, a biopsy is the best option. It can help identify the type, stage, and treatment options.
