| A cancer may be
suspected for a variety of reasons, but the definitive diagnosis
of most malignancies must be confirmed by histological
examination of the cancerous cells by a pathologist. Tissue can
be obtained from a biopsy or surgery. Many biopsies (such as
those of the skin, breast or liver) can be done in a doctor's
office. Biopsies of other organs are performed under anesthesia
and require surgery in an operating room.
The tissue diagnosis indicates the type of cell that is
proliferating, its histological grade and other features of the
tumor. Together, this information is useful to evaluate the
prognosis of this patient and choose the best treatment.
Cytogenetics and immunohistochemistry may provide information
about future behavior of the cancer (prognosis) and best
treatment.
Treatment >>
|
Cancer
Classification
1. Nomenclature
2. Adult cancers
3. Childhood cancers
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis
1. Investigation
2. Biopsy
Treatment
1. Surgery
2. Radiation therapy
3. Chemotherapy
4. Targeted therapies
5. Immunotherapy
6. Hormonal therapy
7. Symptom control
8. Complementary and alternative
9. Treatment trials
Prognosis
1. Emotional impact
Causes
1. Chemical carcinogens
2. Ionizing radiation &
Infectious diseases
3. Hormonal imbalances
& Immune system dysfunction
4. Heredity & Other causes
Pathophysiology
1. Epigenetics
2. Oncogenes
3. Tumor suppressor genes
4. Cancer cell biology
4.1 Clonal evolution
4.2 Biological properties of cancer cells
Prevention
1. Modifiable ("lifestyle") risk factors
2. Diet
3. Vitamins
4. Chemoprevention
5. Genetic testing
6. Vaccination
7. Screening
Epidemiology
History
Research |
