Premium Essay

Cancer Is A Disease: The Cause Of Cancer

Submitted By
Words 994
Pages 4
Cancer is a disease in which cells grow out of control and invade, erode, and destroy normal tissue. It has sadly affected many people.
Damaged genes are the cause of this. Since mitosis - a process for cell division - and the cell cycle are controlled by genes, having damaged genes can cause the cell to go wrong. If it starts in just a single cell, it can replicate itself to make new cells that duplicate. In the cell cycle, cells can be in the G1 or G0 stage. Often cells leave G1 and enter G0 where they carry out their functions then die out or re-enter the cell cycle if needed. It is usually a balance. Contrary, some cells can not enter G0 and are destined to repeat the cell cycle indefinitely. These are cancer cells. As the very early damaged …show more content…
Likewise, thymic cancer starts in the thymus. The thymus is a small organ located just behind the breastbone (sternum) in the front part of the chest. The thymus is in a part of the chest between the lungs that also contains the heart, part of the aorta, the esophagus, part of the trachea (windpipe), and many lymph nodes. The thymus sits in front of and above the heart. Highlighted from The Endocrine Web the thymus function is, “Helping the body protect itself against autoimmunity, which occurs when the immune system turns against itself. Therefore, the thymus plays a vital role in the lymphatic system (your body’s defense network) and endocrine system.” Specifically, during adolescence, the thymus is instrumental in the production and maturation of T-lymphocytes or T cells, a specific type of white blood cell that protects the body from certain threats, including viruses and infections. As you age, the thymus secretes less and less white blood cells and instead turns into adipose tissue …show more content…
Cancer occurs when cancer cells form on the outside surface of the thymus. Thymic carcinoma is more aggressive and more difficult to treat than thymoma. People with thymoma cancer typically have an autoimmune disease as well, such as myasthenia gravis, acquired pure red cell aplasia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, thymic cancer is very rare and in the US-- only 400 cases per year, hence medical experts are unsure if there are specific causes. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 4 out of 10 people have no symptoms when they’re diagnosed with thymic cancer. Many times, cancer is found during other medical tests or exams. When symptoms do occur, they may include a persistent cough, breathing difficulties, or chest pain. Because of how nonspecific the symptoms are, diagnosis can be delayed. Interestingly enough, some studies have suggested a possible link with this cancer with age. The American Cancer Society states, “The risk of this type of cancer goes up with age. This type of cancer is rare in children and young adults, is seen more often in middle-aged adults, and is most common in those in their 70s.” In relation to my life, my grandmother, was old (68 years) and had rheumatoid arthritis, which is a typical autoimmune disease associated with thymic

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Causes of Disease

...Causes of disease A disease is defined as a physical or mental disorder or malfunction with a certain set of signs or symptoms. Diseases may be caused by a single factor such as a pathogenic microorganism or have many causes some of which may depend on lifestyle. Pathogens have many qualities that assist with the causing of diseases: they can gain entry to the host, colonise tissues of the host, resist defences of the host and cause damage to the host’s tissues. Microorganisms gain entry to the host through the skin and through exchange sites. For example, if someone has physical contact with an infected individual. All these characteristics lead to a disease occurring in the host. Some examples of pathogens are bacteria, viruses and fungi. A healthy lifestyle involves, maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, drinking a limited amount of alcohol and not smoking. If individuals lead a healthy lifestyle, the risk of contracting a disease will decrease. For example, the carcinogenic chemicals found in tobacco smoke may increase an individual’s risk of contracting cancer. However, people need to remember that it’s never too late to change your lifestyle. For example, there is clear evidence showing that the risk of lung cancer to a smoker is reduced if they stop smoking. Going into more detail about the pathogen, we can understand what consequences the production of toxins can cause. A toxin is a harmful chemical that damages...

Words: 1583 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Cancer

...The #2 Leading Cause of Death in America The #2 Leading Cause of Death in America Colon cancer and lung cancer are the top two killer cancers in America. Heart disease itself is the #1 killer in America followed by cancer. Lung cancer is the first deadliest cancer. Lung cancer is the most deadly than prostate, breast, and colon cancer put together. Lung cancer is an uncontrollable growth of cells that start off in one or both lungs. As tumors become larger and they start to multiply, they complicate the lung’s job, which is toprovide the bloodstream with the proper amount of oxygen that your body needs. Lung cancer is very deadly, as it kills more than 1,370,000 people a year. Some causes are as indicated: smoking, air pollution, radon gas, prior history of lung cancer, and finally asbestos fibers. The difference between lung cancer and colon cancer is that lung cancer is caused by smoking, and air pollution. Family genes, your diet, (eating habits), and family history of the disease cause Colon cancer. If more than one family member has had the disease, they are at an even greater risk. Aside from lung cancer, colon cancer is just as deadly. Colorectal cancer, which is commonly known as colon cancer, is the second cause of cancer related deaths in women and men. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that forms inside of the cells lining, the inside of the colon, or the rectum. Over time, colon cancer may form into a massive tumor. The cancer cells enter and destroy any tissue...

Words: 1083 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Lung Cancer: What Is It and Is There a Cure in Sight?

...Lung Cancer: What Is It And Is There A Cure In Sight? Winifred Farria Composition and Communication II/COM 156 June 23, 2012 University of Phoenix Instructor: Jennifer Caracciolo Abstract Of the many illnesses and diseases known to humanity, few are more frightening or deadly than cancer. Lung cancer is of especially great concern, because it kills more people worldwide than any other form of cancer. It is a silent killer, often going undetected until it is too late, because it often has no symptoms and cannot be screened for readily. Despite research efforts, no cure has been found for the disease and treatments are effective in a relatively small number of cases. However, some progress has been made in preventing lung cancer, especially by reducing exposure to cigarette smoke, asbestos, radon, and other carcinogens in the environment. Other causes and factors of lung cancer demand more research, and prevention efforts should be promoted. Lung Cancer: What Is It And Is There A Cure In Sight? Incidence and Mortality Lung cancer is one of the most significant medical problems in the U.S. and around the world, because it is the cause of more deaths nationally and globally than any other form of cancer (Centers for Disease Control, 2011, a; Clément-Duchêne & Wakelee, 2010). According to the Centers for Disease Control (2011, a), 14% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States in 2007 were lung cancer, and 28% of all cancer deaths in the same year were...

Words: 3785 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

Psychology

...healthy and, free of disease can become difficult for some people to do. Illness can occur in many different parts of the body, causing many harmful complications. The lungs belonging to the respiratory system in humans control the amounts of oxygen inhaled into the body and, the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled from the body. Oxygen is then passed to blood cells which then circulate throughout the body giving off the oxygen where it is needed. This process can become interrupted by the introduction of various diseases that are within the lungs. Two dangerous diseases that are commonly mistaken for each other are lung cancer and lung disease, both of which cause death in more cases than not. The presence of lung cancer a disease which can cause the formation of tumors, differs from that of lung disease, different disorders that few people are aware of. Knowing the difference between the two is a key, in preventing the possibility of being diagnosed with either of the two. This also enables the ability to spot the early stage symptoms of these deadly diseases. The lungs are used for breathing, the many diseases found there mostly cause difficulty to this function. A series of mutations in normal lung cells which causes them to become abnormal and grow out of control is how lung cancer arises. These abnormal cells are unable to repair the damaged DNA, and as a result grow to form tumors. Lung Cancer can appear anywhere throughout the lungs. Lung disease is a bit different...

Words: 1061 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Pathophysiology of Cancer and Renal Failure

... 1. Cancer Staging Cancer staging describes the severity of a person’s cancer based on the person’s initial tumor, and whether or not the cancer has metastasized (American Cancer Society, 2012, www.cancer.org). Knowledge of the stage is very important in that is can be used to explain prognosis to the patient, and can be used by the doctor and the patient to plan treatment. Staging of cancer is based on knowledge of the way in which cancer progresses in the body. Malignant cells grow and reproduce without any control or order, and they do not die when they should. In most cases the cancer cells will form a mass called a tumor. As the tumor grows it can invade tissues and organs that are close to it. The malignant cells can also break away from the tumor and enter the bloodstream (Lemone, 2004, p. 284). There are five common elements considered in most staging systems: site of the primary tumor, tumor size and number, lymph node involvement, cell type, and the presence or absence of metastasis. A common staging system is called TNM, which stands for Tumor, lymph Nodes, and Metastasis. When staging a number is added to each letter to indicate the size of the primary tumor and the extent of the cancer spread. (Lemone, 2004, p. 284) Infection, immunity and inflammation in cancer patients are all interrelated. They form what could be a triangle with arrows in all directions. Infections cause inflammation, and these inflammatory...

Words: 1463 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Lung Cancer in America

...Lung Cancer in America Chronic diseases, such as cancer, have been plaguing our species for centuries. Early documentation of cancer has been found dating back to 1600 B.C., but is believed to be from sources dating back to 2500 B.C. (Cancer as a Disease, 2014). In the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death, behind heart disease. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women in America. Advances in lung cancer screening and treatment have increased the survivability rate. Federal, state, and local public health offices continue to seek out new ways to combat this epidemic. Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs begin to grow out of control. There are two types of lung cancer classifications: non-small cell, which is the most common, and small cell. If left untreated, death is inevitable. In 2010, the American Cancer Society reported over 1.5 million new cases of cancer - of those new cases, 14.5% were for lung cancer (Cancer Trends Progress Report – 2011/2012 Update, 2012). In 2014, estimates show 224,210 new cases of lung cancer, a slight increase over the 2010 data. The prevalence of lung cancer has been consistently higher in men versus women, as well as higher in blacks and whites compared to other ethnic groups. Research has found lung cancer to be heavily linked to cigarette smoking, as well as exposure to other poisons, such as radon gas, asbestos, arsenic, and diesel exhaust (CDC, 2014). Unfortunately...

Words: 904 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Compare and Contrast Essay

...HIV/AIDS AND CANCER DONNETTA HARRIS UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX LEILANI CLARK COM/155-UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION AND COMMUNICATION Millions of people all over the world have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or cancer, and in some cases, both. These two diseases are both very deadly and can cause other problems within a person’s body. HIV/AIDS and cancer are chronic diseases that affect the human body, although there are some advantages with HIV/AIDS compared to cancer. Even though there are treatments available for both of these diseases, unfortunately, a cure has yet to be found. HIV/AIDS is another name for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV is the virus that ultimately leads to AIDS, and AIDS is the disease that causes death. They are not the same. People can live for years and years before getting AIDS. There are three main stages of HIV infection. These stages are acute infection, clinical latency, and AIDS. The acute infection usually follows the initial contraction of the HIV virus. Most individuals may experience flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms may include, but are not limited to, enlarged lymph nodes which may become tender, rash, and sores that may appear in the mouth or genital area. The next stage of HIV is clinical latency, which is also referred to as asymptomatic HIV or chronic HIV. It...

Words: 914 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Approac to Care

...December 22, 2013 Approach to Care Cancer refers to disease processes involving an uncontrollable abnormal growth of cells in the body. The body is made up of many cells with numerous functions. The cells grow and divide in order for the human body to function adequately. When the cells get damage or become old they die off and are replaced by new ones. Cancer develops when the body’s normal control mechanism is no longer working. The old cells will not die and start to grow out of control, leading to formation of abnormal cells that develops into a mass of tissue known as tumors. Although, some cancers like leukemia do not form tumors ("CTCA," 2013).Cancer tumors are malignant and may invade surrounding tissues and organs. Cancer can also spread to distant organs in the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic system. In this paper, the writer will discuss the diagnosis and staging of cancer, complications of cancer, the side effects of treatmens, and methods to lessen physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatments. To determine what causes cancer is very complex, but studies have suggested that the causes of cancer include, genetic risks, diet, lifestyle, tobacco use, and physical activity. Others causes are some infections, chemicals exposures and radiation ("American Cancer Society," 2013). Detecting cancer early is very crucial as it allows for early treatment and can stop the disease progression. Cancer causes many signs and symptoms depending on size...

Words: 1648 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Cancer What It Is and Its Effects

...Cancer: What It Is and Its Effects Cancer: What It Is and Its Effects Tricha M. Ramos University Of Phoenix COM/156 8/24/2014 Instructor: Gina Greco Cancer: What It Is and Its Effects Throughout the years there has been a disease attacking many people. It is the year 2014 yet there is still no cure for it. Many people, even those with the illness are unaware of what it truly is, what causes it and where it comes from. Doctors have worked hard for many years to find ways to reverse this disease and have discovered treatments that help combat different types of cancer. In the meantime, all patients who live with cancer go through various obstacles. In the world, there are people in the public eye (i.e.\ famous people, celebrities) that have experienced cancer and their examples are valuable ones to learn from. Cancer is a multi-dynamic disease being that it affects the patient their family, friends and society in various ways. Cancer is a mysterious disease with many different forms; it is a simple name for more than 100 diseases. These illnesses are caused by uncontrollable cell growth that spread throughout the body. Cancer also appears as growing tumors formed by the body that can interfere with the body's function. As the cells in a certain part of the body start to grow out of control, they invade other tissues in the surrounding area. Unlike normal cells, these cells don't die. They continue to grow and form new-abnormal cells. DNA is in every single cell...

Words: 1329 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Respiratory Disease

...Respiratory Disease HCS 245 September 7, 2015 Rebecca Riznyk Respiratory Disease There are several types of respiratory diseases that not only affect, but claim the lives of people in the United States each year; “COPD” Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Lung cancer, Emphysema, and Pneumonia to name a few. Since smoking ban laws were enforced in public places lung cancer and its cause has become a controversial issue; this is why I chose lung cancer as the primary topic of respiratory disease. In this paper I will discuss lung cancers primary, secondary, and tertiary state as well as what makes it classified as such. I will also address the impact of Lung cancer on society as it relates to the business of health care and the use of resources. Lung cancer is classified by primary, secondary, and tertiary state. First or primary is to review behavior in secondary prevention; second, is to stress the need for behavioral research in tertiary prevention to shorten the delay of cancer treatment and diagnosis. Secondary prevention occurs when the disease is identified in the earliest stages when effective treatment can be administered so that mortality rates can be reduced. Tertiary prevention directly affects morbidity once symptoms or awareness has occurred. (Smith & Anderson, 1985) The chance of early detection and its success depends on clinical screening strategies and the stage of the disease at the time it is diagnosed. Lung cancer is a disease in which...

Words: 1003 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Respiratory Disease Paper

...Respiratory Disease Paper Kelly Lindquist HCS/245 10/30/2014 University of Phoenix Respiratory Disease Paper There are several types of respiratory diseases that not only affect, but claim the lives of people in the United States each year; “COPD” Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Lung cancer, Emphysema, and Pneumonia to name a few. Since smoking ban laws were enforced in public places lung cancer and its cause has become a controversial issue; this is why I chose lung cancer as the primary topic of respiratory disease. In this paper I will discuss lung cancers primary, secondary, and tertiary state as well as what makes it classified as such. I will also address the impact of Lung cancer on society as it relates to the business of health care and the use of resources. Lung cancer is classified by primary, secondary, and tertiary state. First or primary is to review behavior in secondary prevention; second, is to stress the need for behavioral research in tertiary prevention to shorten the delay of cancer treatment and diagnosis. Secondary prevention occurs when the disease is identified in the earliest stages when effective treatment can be administered so that mortality rates can be reduced. Tertiary prevention directly affects morbidity once symptoms or awareness has occurred. (Smith & Anderson, 1985) The chance of early detection and its success depends on clinical screening strategies and the stage of the disease at the time it is diagnosed. Lung cancer is a...

Words: 996 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Effect Essay

...Cause and Effect My whole life, I have been around cigarettes and smoking. Most of my family smokes or has smoked. My mom and dad were both smokers. My mom still smokes today but my dad switched to smokeless tobacco. My aunt is a smoker. Both my mom’s parents were smokers and it took both their lives. My dad’s mother use to smoke but she quit ten years ago. My cousins Allen and Michael are both smokers. My brother has tried it and so has my cousin Harley. My daughter’s mother also is a smoker. So a lot of people in my life are smokers. I hate that so many of my friends and family smoke because I know that with every smoke, they are shortening their lives. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and it causes many diseases and reduces the health of smokers in general, (“Health”). More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined, (“Health”). Smoking causes an estimated 90% of all lung cancer deaths in men and 80% of all lung cancer deaths in women, (“Health”). An estimated 90% of all deaths from chronic obstructive lung disease are caused by smoking, (Health). Smoking causes an estimated 90% of all lung cancer deaths in men and 80% of all lung cancer deaths in women, (Health). Smoking increases coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times, (Health). Your chances of having a stroke are also increased 2 to 4 times, (Health). When...

Words: 764 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Com172 Gastric Cancer

...Gastric Cancer COM/172 - ELEMENTS OF UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION AND COMMUNICATION II August 22nd, 2012 JULIA REEVES Gastric Cancer Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States next to heart disease. Cancer is not only a disease but it is a general term for many different types of disease. It is a disease from which abnormal cells are divided without control and then invade into other tissues within the body. Cancer begin in cells, the body’s basic unit of life. Cells grow, divide, and produce to make more cells for the body to remain healthy and productive. When cells are damaged or old, they die and become replaced by new cells. However, sometimes the process does not carry on properly and cells that should die do not but, instead they divide uncontrollably and become extra cells. These cells form into a mass of tissue, known as a tumor, which is often spread through the blood and lymph systems. As the cardia tumors continue to increase and grow, the gastric cancer decreases. There are over one hundred different types of cancer including breast, lung, prostate, colon, bone, lymphoma, brain, skin, thyroid, and pancreas. Among the different types of cancer there are many categories of cancer, which are are grouped into carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, central nervous system cancer and lymphoma and myeloma. Cancer has grown to become one of the world’s most common killers annually. Cancer has a high mortality...

Words: 1427 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Group Debate Analysis

...The Environmental Factors of Cancer Tammie Ewart COM156 Version 7 May 18, 2014 Diane Moore, Faculty Cancer is a disease that is diagnosed almost every day and there are numerous avenues that lead to the development of cancer in the human body. Life styles, diet and nutrition, chemical exposure, exhaust fumes; radiation exposure and hormone replacements to name a few are the leading causes. The majority of these factors is environmental and should be considered when choosing work environments, purchasing products and life styles that can put you at a higher risk. “Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the body begin to divide at a faster rate than the body requires. These rapidly dividing cells grow into a lump that is known as a tumor. A tumor can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).” (Cleveland Clinic, 1995-2014). “Many factors can cause the development of cancer in the body. Some of these factors, such as heredity (family members who have the disease cannot be avoided. Others, such as lifestyle, can be controlled. For example, the use of tobacco is one of the main causes of cancer especially lung cancer. Tobacco use, whether in the form of smoking, chewing, or exposure to second hand smoke (smoking by others), can also cause cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, throat, and many other parts of the body.”(Cleveland Clinic, 1995-2014). Other primary causes of cancer include: * Diet/nutrition – The...

Words: 1610 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Lifestyle and Disease Preventing

...Lifestyle and disease preventing Lifestyle diseases are those conditions usually attributes to the unhealthy ways human live their lives. They can include atherosclerosis, asthma, some kinds of cancer, chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic renal failure, stroke and obesity. As our world becoming more and more industrialized, the pace of our lives is speeding up, those diseases appearing to increase in frequency. Lifestyle diseases have become common problems that needed our attention. One major lifestyle disease is cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease has become the world’s major cause of death. According to statistics, it is responsible for over 30% of total global deaths (Murray & Lopez, 1996). As the average lifetime expectancy rising, the number of people at risk of cardiovascular disease is also increasing. This number could keep growing due to the increasingly sedentary lifestyle and the rapid rising in obesity children and teenagers. There are many risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as age, family history even gender, but it is believed that serum cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking are the major modifiable factors, which are strongly relate to one’s lifestyle (Hobbs & Arroll, 2009). Positive lifestyle changes are very important to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease. Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors that for atherosclerotic...

Words: 1019 - Pages: 5