What Is Cancer - Coursework Example

Running Head: Cancer Introduction Cancer refers to a group of diseases that manifest through abnormal cell division. The cells divide uncontrollably and thus end up invading other tissues. These cancer cells travel to other parts of the body through the blood and the lymphatic system. There exist more than a 100 different types of cancers. These cancers derive their name depending on the organ in which they start. For example, sarcoma refers to cancer that originates in bones, blood vessels, cartilage, fat, muscle as well as connective and supportive tissues (Cancer.gov, 2010). Lymphomas and myelomas are cancer cells that invade the immune system. Adenomas are cancers, which originate in the thyroid, the adrenal gland, the pituitary gland and other glandular tissues. Carcinomas are cancers that begin in the skin basal cells and in tissues covering internal organs. Central nervous system cancers start in the spinal cord and the brain tissues. Leukemia is a cancer that causes abnormal production of blood cells after it attacks the bone marrow where production of these cells occurs (Crosta, 2010). Every cancer begins in a cell, which is the basic unit of life. Normally, cells divide and multiply in the body in a fixed way to ensure its proper functioning. These cells also follow a natural death course after a particular period through a process called apoptosis. However, in the event of cell damage, the cell undergoes uncontrollable division and multiplication since it does not die. This stems from cell mutation, which is a permanent alteration in the cell DNA. Because of this damage, the DNA sends out wrong genetic instructions that cause cells to grow abnormally. These damaged cells thus multiply and form a mass of tissues in an organ resulting in a tumor. The tumor may continue to grow and interfere with the body systems such as the digestive, circulatory and nervous systems. Moreover, the tumor may even release hormones that alter the normal functioning of the body. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous and remain on the organ where they form. On the other hand, malignant tumors, which are cancerous, are more dangerous since they not only attack one organ, but also proceed to metastasize or spread to other body organs. After they invade and destroy a healthy tissue, they make new blood vessels to sustain themselves through a process called angiogenesis. Such cancers prove difficult to treat. An exception is leukemia a type of cancer that does not form tumors as it attacks the bone marrow (Crosta, 2010). The four kinds of genes that control cell division include oncogenes, suicide genes, DNA- repair genes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes, initiate the cell division process. Suicide genes are responsible for the death of cells through apoptosis. DNA-repair genes direct cells to repair any damages in the DNA and the tumor suppressor genes instruct cells when not to undergo division. Gene mutations make the cell unable to repair cell damage and commit suicide through apoptosis. The mutations further straitjacket the functioning of tumor suppressor genes and the oncogenes leading to uncontrollable increase in cells. There are a number of factors attributed to cancer formation. Researchers have found that carcinogens are also responsible for cancer. They include substances such as asbestos, radiation from gamma and x-rays, tobacco, arsenic and ultra violet sunrays (Cancer.gov, 2010). Exposure to these carcinogens leads to formation of free radicals that attach themselves to electrons found in the body molecules. As a result, they damage cells and cause them to function abnormally. Cancer can also be an inherited disease. Gene mutations may pass on to a fetus thus increasing chances of cancer development later on in life. Other medical factors for cancer include age. The older we grow, the more susceptible we become to cancer. Viruses such as HPV or the humanpapillomavirus lead to cervical cancer. The HIV virus weakens the immune system making the body an easy target for cancer. The Hepatitis B and C virus causes liver cancer whereas the Epstein-Barr virus is a cause for various cancers in children (Cancer.gov, 2010). The history of cancer goes as far back to the ancient Egyptians in the years 3000-1500BC. Archeologists have found descriptions of the disease written on papyrus reeds. There are also specimens in existence of people who died of cancer in the ancient times such as mummified skeletons that date back to the bronze age between1900-1600 BC. The word carcinoma finds credit in the legendary Greek physician Hippocrates also known as the father of medicine who lived between 460-370 BC. He named the disease Karakinos to illustrate tumors. In the renaissance period that began in the 15th century, physicians such as Frenchman Claude Gaudron posited that cancer is incurable and must thus undergo complete excision (Medicineworld.org, 2010). In the 18th century, the first pathological autopsy took place thus forerunning the scientific study of cancer. The development of anesthesia also enabled doctors to perform mastectomies. In the early part of the twentieth century, scientists began to understand cell structure as well as function. In 1911, they identified a virus that causes cancer in chicken. The late part of the twentieth century saw scientists identify carcinogens that are responsible for various cancers. They also gained insight into cell growth and division in terms of factors that suppress and activate this biological process. More recently, there have been considerable developments in cancer research. For example, scientists at Cancer Research UK won a prize for their development of a new technology that makes use of a lens-free microscope. As opposed to using optical lenses, the microscope makes use of light to highlight cells as well as pathogens. An optical detector subsequently records the patterns that appear upon illumination. Scientists are thus able to count the number of cells in a given sample as wells as track their movements, multiplication and location (Cancertechnology.com, 2010). This revolutionary invention is devoid of a great deal of hassle such as focusing and other machine adjustments. In addition, unlike the latest microscopes, it is not bulky or complicated to use. It is also relatively affordable. The technology was developed chiefly to monitor the growth and locomotion of cancer cells, but it can also be employed for diagnostic purposes for instance counting red and white blood cells when treating anemia, leukemia or HIV. It also has potential for application in other areas of health science ranging from stem cell research as well as tissue engineering The trilogy system is another breakthrough technology in the treatment of cancer. Developed in Baltimore at the university of Maryland Medical Center, it has proven to have fewer side effects in patients. It entails the use of an image-guided radiation so powerful that it is able to detect the minutest of tumors. This new treatment is powerful in the sense that it relies on a combination of the three methods of radiation treatment namely Tomotherapy, Cyberknife and Novalis. It is also highly accurate in that it continues to take pictures of tumors even while the patient is undergoing treatment. Such accuracy is crucial since it reduces the risk of damage to other organs in the periphery via radiation. The trilogy system further minimizes the need for an operation in a number of patients (Wbaltv.com, 2007). An article in Sciencedaily.com, states that the treatment of prostate cancer has undergone a major boost due to development of a new technology. A new way of conducting lab tests has the potential to improve the methods doctors use to treat prostate cancer. Researchers at Queens University found a way to identify accurately loss of the PTEN gene that normally causes a kind of prostate cancer that is difficult to treat. This new technology referred to by the acronym FISH, Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization, helps doctors determine the rate of PTEN loss when examining tissue biopsies. With such knowledge, the doctors are able to provide the equivalent amount of treatment on a tumor, as they now know the level of aggressiveness based on PTEN gene loss. The PTEN gene is located in the nucleus of cancerous cells. As a tumor suppressor gene, its loss limits the potential to fight off cancer. Its loss further contributes to formation of lung and breast cancer. Despite the positive strides with the advent of new technology, there are also setbacks that have come in tow. Chemotherapy, for instance used in the treatment of breast cancer normally leads to fatigue, nausea as well as hair loss a condition known as alopecia. Hair loss occurs since hair follicles lose strength leading to hair loss at a faster rate than usual. There is also a decline in the number of white blood cells, which are vital in the immune system. There are 4000-10000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter. When they decrease, they result in a condition called leucopenia. Neutropenia is another decrease in neutrophils that destroy infections in the body (Ibchelp.org, 2010). Chemotherapy may also lead to a reduction in the number of red blood cells. Usually, the blood contains between 4.0 and 6.0 million red blood cells per cubic millimeter. A loss of red blood cells can lead to anemia. Anemia is a condition that manifests through fatigue, dizziness, headaches, restlessness, and a sharp rise in heart rate or breathing. Platelets, which help blood to clot, may decrease in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Normally, platelets range from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per cubic millimeter. Patients with low platelet counts suffer from thrombocytopenia. Symptoms include the predisposition to bruise easily, bleeding longer than usual after a cut, nosebleeds as well as bleeding gums. In extreme cases, patients with low platelet counts may have internal bleeding. Chemotherapy drugs may further result in infertility or even premature menopause. Women, who undergo chemotherapy regularly, may experience signs of menopause. Such symptoms of menopause include vaginal dryness, menstrual cycles that are irregular and hot flashes as well. Birth defects may also result from use of chemotherapy drugs hence is not suitable treatment method for pregnant women (Ibchelp.org, 2010). Cancer treatment has normally entailed the use of radiation, surgery and poisoning through chemotherapy. Oncologists’ attempts to use the body’s own immune system to fight off cancer have not borne much fruit. Brainard, in the Columbia Journalism Review, reports that the US Food and Drug Administration is in the process of approving a new vaccine for the treatment of cancer. The Vaccine known as Provenge (sipuleucel-T), has great potential for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Presently, the FDA has not yet approved any cancer vaccines and cancer researchers are still conducting clinical trials among cancer patients. Researchers at St. Jude laboratory also made a discovery that may herald a better way of treating and preventing cancer. The discovery will also help in the creation of more sensitive ways to detect exposure to radiation. The researchers discovered a new biochemical process that enables cells to respond to damages in their DNA. The biochemical process helps in the modification of an enzyme called ATM to help it initiate repair of damaged DNA. This in turn enables the damaged cell to survive. The goal of the researcher is thus to find away of blocking signals to the ATM enzyme so that tumors can be destroyed more rapidly by radiation (St.Jude.org, 2010). Conclusion I concur with Kolata that with 200 deaths per 100,000 people in a year, governments must increase funding towards cancer research projects. It is sad to note that while deaths from heart disease and stroke have gone down, cancer remains a leading killer disease in many people globally. References Brainard, C. (2010): A Rosy Future for Cancer Vaccines? Retrieved May 24, 2010, from http://www.cjr.org/the_observatory/a_rosy_future_for_cancer_vacci_1.php Cancer.gov, (2010): What Is Cancer? Retrieved May 22, 2010, from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/what-is-cancer Cancertechnology.com, (2010): Scientists scoop top prize for light-based detection. Retrieved May 24, 2010, from technologyhttp://www.cancertechnology.co.uk/ Crosta, P. (2010): What Is Cancer? Retrieved May 22, 2010, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/cancer-oncology/whatiscancer.php Ibchelp.org, (2010): Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Side Effects. Retrieved May 23, 2010, from http://www.ibchelp.org/chemoeffects.html Kolata, G. (2009): As Other Death Rates Fall, Cancer’s Scarcely Moves. Retrieved May 23, 2010, from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/24/health/research/24cancerside.html?ref=policy Medicineworld.org, (2010): History of Cancer. Retrieved May 22, 2010, from http://medicineworld.org/cancer/history.html Sciencedaily.com, (2007): New Technology For Cancer Screening Listens For The Signs Of Cancer. Retrieved May 22, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070918144313.htm St. Jude.org, (2010): ATM and the Future of Cancer Treatment and Prevention. Retrieved May 23, 2010, from http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=d7f42066d5e70110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&vgnextchannel=5d58797030dd4110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCR Wbaltv.com, (2007): New Technology Treating Cancer. Retrieved May 22, 2010, from http://www.wbaltv.com/health/9227474/detail.html Read More