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Causes of cancer
Causes of cancer Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. Benign tumors are not cancer; malignant tumors are cancer. Most cancers are named for the type of cell or the organ in which they begin. When cancer spreads (metastasizes), the new tumor has the same name as the original (primary) tumor. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer for both men and women. The second most common cancer in men is prostate cancer, in women it is breast cancer.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
Benign
Non-malignant; not life-threatening.
Malignant
Cancerous; life-threatening.
Cell
Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material (DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
Organ
A structural unit of an animal or plant that serves a specific function.
Tumor
Overgrowth of tissue.
Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).
Prostate
A male sex gland that produces a thick fluid which forms part of semen.
Breast
The breast refers to the front of the chest or, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland. It is composed largely of fat. Within the mammary gland is a complex network of branching ducts. These ducts exit from sac-like structures called lobules, which can produce milk in females. The ducts exit the breast at the nipple.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Causal treatment
A form of treatment which deals with the cause of a disease, not only the symptoms. Specific allergy vaccination is a causal treatment, the use of antihistamines is a symptomatic treatment.
Causalgia
See 'Algodystrophy'.
Caustic
A chemical that can cause burns.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Caudal anesthesia
Anesthesia produced by injection of a local anesthetic into the caudal canal, the sacral portion of the spinal canal. Caudal anesthesia is used to provide anesthesia and analgesia (pain relief) below the umbilicus. It may be the sole anesthetic or combined with general anesthesia. Also called caudal epidural anesthesia or a caudal block.
Caudate nucleus
In each hemisphere of the brain, the most medial of the four basal ganglia, partly responsible for body movement and coordination. So named because it looks anatomically tail-like.
Caul
In obstetrics, the caul is the amnion, one of the two fetal membranes, the other being the chorion. To be born in a caul meant to be born with the head covered by the amnion (or be born within an intact unruptured amnion). To be born in a caul was long believed to be a sign of future greatness.
Cauliflower-ear deformity
Destruction of the underlying cartilage framework of the outer ear (pinnae), usually caused by either infection or trauma, resulting in a thickening of the ear. Classically, blood collects (hematoma) between the ear cartilage and the skin. There is a marked thickening of the entire ear which may be so extensive that the shape of the ear becomes unrecognizable. The ear is said to look like a piece of cauliflower. It is typically seen in wrestlers and boxers who have had repeated trauma to the ear.
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Blue cohosh.
Causes of cancer
Cauterization
The use of heat to destroy abnormal cells. Also called diathermy or electrodiathermy.
Caution codes, drug
Abbreviations on medications that indicate caution.
Caveola
An tiny pit, grotto, depression, incupping in the surface of a cell. The name "caveola" means little cave. The plural is caveolae.
Cavernous hemangioma
A type of hemangioma composed of blood-filled "lakes" and channels. It is typically raised and red or purplish.
Cavernous sinus
A large channel of venous blood creating a "sinus" cavity bordered by the sphenoid bone and the temporal bone of the skull. The cavernous sinus is an important structure because of its location and its contents which include the third cranial (oculomotor) nerve, the fourth cranial (trochlear) nerve, parts 1 (the ophthalmic nerve) and 2 (the maxillary nerve) of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve, and the sixth cranial (abducens) nerve.
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