Cancer

Cancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, in some cases, to metastasize or (spread). It is not only one disease, but a group of more than 100 different diseases. It can involve any tissue of the body and have many different forms in each area. Most cancers are named after the cell or organ where they start. If it spreads (metastasizes), the new tumor bears the same name as the original (primary) tumor. Cancer is the Latin word for crab. The ancients used the word to mean a malignancy, doubtless because of the crab-like tenacity a malignant tumor sometimes seems to show grasping the tissues it invades. It may also be called malignancy, a malignant tumor, or a neoplasm (literally, a new growth). The frequency of a specific type may depend on gender. For example skin cancer is the most common type of malignancy for both men and women. The second common type in men is prostate and for women is breast. Its frequency does not equate to cancer mortality. Skin cancers are curable. While lung cancer is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States today. Benign tumors are not cancer and malignant tumors are. It is not contagious. In patients with experience significant dynamic physical, psychosocial, and financial challenges. With the increasing number of patients with early stage transitioning to survivorship, there is a critical need to address health promotion and overall well-being. For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900