Cancer Flashcards
Define cancer
A group of diseases in which cells grow and divide out of control.
Define tumour
A mass of cells that continue to grow and divide without any obvious function in the body.
define benign tumour
A tumour that does not affect surrounding tissues other than by physically crowding them
Mailigant tumour
A tumour that interferes with the functioning of surrounding cells (a cancerous tumour)
Metastasis
The process of cancer cells breaking away from the (primary) tumour and establishing another (secondary) tumour elsewhere in the body.
Define mutation
A random change in DNA
define Carcinogen
Any environmental factor that causes cancer
Common carcinogens
Tobacco smoke, radiation, some viruses, certain chemicals in plastics
What are some symptoms that may make a doctor test a patient for cancer?
Swelling and discomfort, fatigue, losing weight for no apparent reason.
Some treatments for cancer?
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and biophotonics.
