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Cancer is defined by any such malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division that may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. This unregulated growth of cells is caused by a series of mutations, acquired or inherited, to DNA within cells, damaging genetic information that define the cell functions and removing normal control of cell division.
Cancer can be of many types and severity of symptoms depends on the site and character of malignancy. The following general categories are usually accepted:
Carcinoma: Carcinoma is malignant tumors derived from epithelial cells and represents the most common cancers, including the common forms of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer.
Lymphoma and Leukemia: These are malignant tumors derived from blood and bone marrow.
Sarcoma: Sarcoma is malignant tumors derived from connective tissue, or the mesenchymal cells.
Mesothelioma: These are tumors derived from the mesothelial cells lining the peritoneum and the pleura.
Glioma: Glioma is tumor derived from brain cells.
Choriocarcinoma: These are malignant tumors derived from the placenta.
Most cancers can be treated while some can be cured, depending on the type, location, and stage. A definitive diagnosis usually requires the histologic examination of tissue. After diagnosis, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is used to treat cancer. Drugs that target specific cancers already exist for many cancers.
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