What are good questions about cancer?
10 Common Questions About Cancer, Answered
- Who gets cancer? Anyone can get cancer, although the risk goes up with age.
- How does cancer start?
- Is cancer genetic?
- Is cancer contagious?
- Is there a vaccine for cancer?
- Can cancer be cured?
- What are the stages of cancer, and what do they mean?
- Does cancer have symptoms?
What triggers a tumor?
In general, tumors occur when cells divide and grow excessively in the body. Normally, the body controls cell growth and division. New cells are created to replace older ones or to perform new functions. Cells that are damaged or no longer needed die to make room for healthy replacements.
Which tumor is most common?
The most common type of cancer on the list is breast cancer, with 284,200 new cases expected in the United States in 2021. The next most common cancers are prostate cancer and lung cancer.
How do tumors get in your brain?
Brain metastases occur when cancer cells break away from their original location. The cells may travel through the bloodstream or the lymph system and spread (metastasize) to the brain where they begin to multiply. Metastatic cancer that spreads from its original location is known by the name of the primary cancer.
What is a tumor?
(TOO-mer) An abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells grow and divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Benign tumors may grow large but do not spread into, or invade, nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
Can stress cause tumors?
No, being stressed doesn’t directly increase the risk of cancer. The best quality studies have followed up many people for several years. They have found no evidence that those who are more stressed are more likely to get cancer.
How do tumors feel?
Most commonly, soft tissue sarcomas feel like masses or bumps, which may be painful. If the tumor is in the abdomen, it may produce nausea or a sensation of fullness as well as pain, he says.
What is a tumor in the brain called?
A brain tumor, known as an intracranial tumor, is an abnormal mass of tissue in which cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, seemingly unchecked by the mechanisms that control normal cells.
Can tumors cause eye pain?
Eye problems can also occur when a brain tumor exerts pressure on the optic nerve or when pressure within the skull causes the back of the eye (optic disc) to swell (a condition known as “papilledema”).
Can brain tumors be removed?
If the brain tumor is located in a place that makes it accessible for an operation, your surgeon will work to remove as much of the brain tumor as can be done safely. Some brain tumors are small and easy to separate from surrounding brain tissue, which makes complete surgical removal possible.
What should I do if I Have Questions about cancer?
When you have questions about cancer, the best thing you can do is ask your physician or a specialist. Knowing the facts is important. Call 888-FOX-CHASE to make an appointment.
What are the signs and symptoms of a brain tumor?
Classically, brain tumors present with symptoms related to their location similar to patients who present with strokes. For example, a patient presenting with gradual left sided weakness of the arm or leg could be at risk for having a right-sided brain tumor. A common presentation particularly in younger patients is the new onset of seizures.
What is the difference between benign and cancerous tumors?
Tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Cancerous tumors can attack and kill your body’s tissues. They can also spread to other parts of the body, causing new tumors to form there. This process is called metastasis and it represents cancer that has advanced to a late stage.
Do brain tumors spread throughout the body?
Brain tumors in general do not tend to spread throughout the body, but are a problem due to their continued growth inside the brain. If you think of the potential for re-growth, approximately 50 to 70 percent of all intercranial tumors will require additional treatment other than surgery alone.