Although most people believe that cancer is a result of a mistake in the genetic code, there are other reasons why it occurs. Infections can cause cancer as well. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can cause cervical, gastric, and throat cancers. Schistosome parasites can cause bladder cancer. Chronic infection with the H. pylori bacteria can increase your risk of bladder cancer.
Viruses are small organisms that contain a small amount of DNA and RNA genes. They have a coating of proteins and must enter a living cell to reproduce. Once inside, they take over the cell’s machinery and reproduce. Once inside, they begin to grow out of control, destroying the surrounding healthy tissue. If cancer develops from the virus, the tumor can spread to nearby healthy tissue and spread throughout the body.
Leukemia begins in the blood, where abnormal white blood cells crowd out healthy blood cells. A lack of healthy blood cells lowers immune function, causing frequent infections, fatigue, and bruising and bleeding. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, the white blood cells that fight infection. The abnormal cells grow out of control and build up in lymph nodes, lymph vessels, or organs. They can also lead to swollen lymph nodes and shortness of breath.
Various genetic changes can cause cancer. These changes affect DNA repair genes, which fix mistakes made in the DNA. In addition to cancer-causing mutations, many of these genes can act as tumor suppressors. Some people can be born with these genes, while others can acquire them through genetic inheritance. Some genetic changes are more common than others, but they are still associated with a high risk of developing the disease. The good news is that these changes can help us better understand how cancer develops.
While the disease can occur anywhere on the body, it is most common in the sun. About 5.4 million people will develop basal cell cancer each year. Squamous cell cancer, meanwhile, is more common. The two types of cancer are similar in terms of symptoms. The first is the most common, while the second is more rare. The second type of cancer is most dangerous and is considered an early warning sign. It can spread to other parts of the body.
When you notice a suspicious spot on your skin, make an appointment with a physician to have it examined. The doctor can then determine whether it’s cancerous or not. Your doctor can also refer you to a specialist for further testing. A doctor will examine the affected area for scaling, bleeding, and dry patches. If your doctor suspects cancer, he may perform a biopsy. This is a relatively simple procedure and removes a small piece of the suspicious area.
Asbestos-related cancer is diagnosed differently in different individuals. The sooner it’s detected, the better the chances of effective treatment and improved survival. Asbestos, cadmium, nickel, and uran are all known carcinogens. Exposure to asbestos, radon, or uran, can also increase your risk of cancer. Similarly, vinyl chloride exposure can lead to a heightened risk of developing lung cancer.
