Malignancy, cancerous or malignant tumor, is characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of cells due to changes in DNA or lifestyle, and these cells can spread throughout the body and compromise the body in general.
Despite the fact that malignant cells proliferate independently and uncontrollably, early diagnosis of malignant neoplasm and rapid initiation of treatment can lead to a cure, improving a person’s quality of life.
- Malignancy is caused by uncontrolled and abnormal proliferation of malignant cells.
- Which can occur from changes in DNA due to genetics or habits.
- Such as smoking.
- Poor and frying nutritious foods.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Viral infections.
- And exposure to toxic substances or radiation.
- Like learn more about neoplasms.
Malignant cells multiply rapidly and can spread to other organs and tissues because these cells have an autonomous behavior, characterized by metastasis, making it difficult to treat and heal.
Cancer and malignancy are the same, i. e. when the test indicates that malignancy exists or the presence of malignant cells has been observed, it means that the person has cancer.
In such cases, it is of the utmost importance that tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis and that treatment is started as soon as possible to avoid metastasis and increase the person’s chances of recovery.
Cancer identification can be done by looking at certain symptoms, such as:
Symptoms of malignancy may vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, however, in the presence of any symptoms indicative of cancer, it is important to see your family doctor for diagnosis. Know the other symptoms of malignancy.
Diagnosis is based on the patient’s symptoms, in addition to the imaging and laboratory tests recommended by the doctor, imaging tests, such as resonance imaging or tomography, may be indicated to identify the location of the tumor.
For laboratory tests, your doctor may order a complete blood formula and biochemical tests, as well as measure tumor markers, which are substances produced by cells or by the tumor itself, indicating the presence of malignancy. In addition, your doctor may order a histopathological exam, which aims to confirm the malignancy of your cells. Find out what tests identify cancer.
Treatment of malignancies is done with the aim of reducing the rate of proliferation of malignant cells, avoiding metastasis and improving the quality of life of the person, usually the doctor recommends surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy depending on the type of cancer and its characteristics.
Surgery may be indicated in cases where metastasis has not yet occurred and where the tumor or part of the tumor may be removed; However, in some cases, surgery may not be indicated by your location and blood supply to the site, and other treatments are indicated by your doctor Usually, after surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is recommended to remove malignant cells that have not been removed.
Chemotherapy is the most recommended treatment for cancer and is done with the use of tumor-specific medications that can be given orally or intravenously. Radiation therapy is also a treatment option for malignancies and involves applying radiation to the tumor site, decreasing its size and preventing it from spreading to other areas of the body. Learn more about cancer treatment.
It is possible to cure when the malignant neoplasm is identified early and treatment is started quickly, because in this way it is possible to prevent metastases, which are the spread of malignant cells to other parts of the body, making treatment difficult. occur.