Category: Cancer Type

While the incidence of brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancer cases in India is relatively low, at just 2%, the brain remains a vulnerable target for secondary cancers.

Home Head and Neck Cancer Head and neck cancer haunts a large chunk of the Indian population. Fueled by the rampant prevalence of tobacco chewing and smoking habits, this ominous disease has emerged as a formidable adversary, accounting for a staggering 30% of all reported cancers across the country, as revealed by a study, according to a study published in a scientific journal. Amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope emerges. In recent years, there has been a slight but noticeable decrease in the number of head and neck cancer cases, offering a glimpse of a brighter future. This positive change can be credited to spreading awareness, igniting a flame of knowledge that guides us towards healthier lives. By making changes in our habits, we have taken a significant step in freeing ourselves from the grip of this formidable disease. “>”>What is head and neck cancer?  Head and neck cancers are cancer types that appear in a person’s mouth, throat, neck and other parts of the head. Cancer is a condition that is characterized by abnormal division of old and damaged cells. These cells form a lump of tissue called a tumour (cancerous or malignant) which can invade nearby normal tissues, break away from it’s point of origin and spread to other body parts. Head and neck cancer can show up in any part of the head or neck region.  Also read: Benign & malignant tumours: Why is it essential to understand the distinction  “>”>Where does head and neck cancer start? “>”>Looking at the anatomy of a person’s head, it’s internal regions are as follows; Nasal cavity: It is a space inside and behind the nose, above the bone, that forms the roof of the mouth region. Sinuses– They are small cavities, filled with air, located behind the forehead and cheekbones. Pharynx– It is the common cone-shaped passageway of the alimentary tract and respiratory tract originating from the oral and nasal cavities in the head connecting to the esophagus and larynx. Pharynx is divided into three parts; Nasopharynx:– It is the hollow part of the throat behind the nose. Oropharynx:– It is the part of the pharynx located in the middle part of the throat, behind the mouth region. It also includes other parts of the mouth and throat regions like the soft palate (muscular part of the mouth’s roof), the tonsils, and the tongue’s back one-third region. Hypopharynx:– It refers to the bottom part of the throat region. Also called the laryngopharynx, it is a crucial portion through which air, food, and water pass. Oral cavity:– It refers to the mouth, including parts like lips, lining inside the lips and checks (buccal mucosa), two-thirds of the tongue, upper and low gums, floor of the mouth (under the tongue), bony roof of the mouth (hard palate), and portion behind wisdom tooth. Tongue:– It is a muscular organ in the oral cavity that assists in processes like chewing, swallowing, talking, and breathing. Salivary gland:– It is a gland that secretes saliva, a substance that plays a crucial role in keeping the oral cavity free of certain infections, lubricating oral mucosa, and facilitating processes like chewing, swallowing, and speech. Larynx:– Also known as the voice box, it is part of the throat region that has vocal cords and assists in breathing, talking, and swallowing. A cancerous tumour can form in any of the above-mentioned regions. The group of cells that line the mucosal regions of the head and neck are called squamous cells. Cancers that begin in these cells are called squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Also read: A comprehensive guide to breast cancer  “>”>What are the notable signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer?  The symptoms of head and neck cancer vary depending on factors such as how quickly they grow, how far they spread, and the type of cells they affect, mostly squamous cells. Head and neck cancer usually begins with an ulcer in any of the oral cavity or throat. If the ulcer persists for more than two weeks, it is cause for concern. Unusually swelling that persists Sore that doesn’t heal  Red (erythroplakia) or white patch (leukoplakia) in the mouth Unusual lump or bump in the mouth or neck region (it may or may not be painful) Unusual pain in the mouth or neck region  Sore throat that persists Bad smell that doesn’t go away Change in voice  Persistent nasal congestion  Bleeding from the nose  Breathlessness or breathing difficulty  Double vision  Unusual numbness or weakness in the face, oral cavity or neck region  Swallowing difficulty  Pain or difficulty while chewing or talking  Unusual pain in the jaw Blood in the saliva or phlegm  Loosening of the tooth Ear pain   Head and neck cancer also comes with commonly reported symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and unusual loss of appetite.   “>”>Showing signs of cancer? Click here to book a blood test.  Risk assessment now ! “>”>What are the different types of head and neck cancers?  Oral cancer:It forms in the oral region; lips, buccal mucosa, upper and low gums, the floor of the mouth (under the tongue), bony roof of the mouth (hard palate), and portion behind wisdom tooth. Tongue cancer: Cancer that forms in the tongue region. Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer: It is the cancer that forms in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. Nasopharyngeal cancer: It is cancer that forms in the upper part of the throat or pharynx, called the nasopharynx. Oropharyngeal cancer: It is the cancer that forms in the middle part of the throat or oropharynx. Cancer that forms in the tonsil is called tonsil cancer, and it is the most common form of oropharyngeal cancer. Hypopharyngeal cancer: It is the cancer that forms in the bottom part of the throat or the hypopharynx. Salivary gland cancer:It is a cancer that forms in the salivary gland. Laryngeal cancer: It is the cancer that forms in the larynx or voice box. Laryngeal cancer: It is the cancer that forms

Home Blood Cancer Blood is the body fluid referred to as the essential force of life due to its role in the transportation of nutrients, oxygen, and waste materials. It is also vital in fighting infections and maintaining body temperature. Blood cancer is a condition that endangers the blood cells. Regarding the number of cancer cases, India ranks third in the world with over one lakh cases of blood cancer per year. It ranks among the nation’s major causes of death. With proper awareness and treatment, people can survive this disease. “>”>What is blood cancer?  Cancer is an umbrella term used to describe a condition where the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts. It affects the functioning of the normal cell. Blood cancer refers to the type of cancer that affects the human body’s blood-forming tissue or the immune system. Abnormal cells affect the normal functioning of the blood cells, like fighting infection, transportation of oxygen and nutrients, and formation of new blood cells. Blood cancer accounts for 6% of all cancer cases reported from around the world. “>”>Where does blood cancer start? It is also known as hematologic cancer because it begins in the bone marrow, which produces bone marrow stem cells and other substances that aid blood production. “>”>These stem cells mature and differentiate into three types; RBC or Red Blood Cells– It carries oxygen to other tissues and organs of the human body. Then, RBCs bring carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs so that the person can exhale it. WBC or White Blood Cells– It supports the immune system in fighting infections. Platelets– It helps in blood clots when the person is injured to prevent bleeding. Blood cancer is a condition where the abnormal cells in the bone marrow grow uncontrollably. Then it spirals out of control, interfering with the normal function of other blood cells. Also read: A comprehensive guide to breast cancer  “>”>What are the notable signs and symptoms of blood cancer?  The symptoms of blood cancer vary depending on factors such as how quickly they grow, how far they spread, and the type of cells they affect. But there are common signs that people need to pay heed to;  Chest pain Abnormal cough Night sweats Fatigue  Fever or chills Breathlessness Skin itchiness or rashes Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite and weight Headaches Frequent infections “>”>Showing signs of blood cancer? Click here to book a blood test.  Risk assessment now ! “>”>What are the different types of blood cancer?  Symptoms of blood cancer depend on the type of blood cancer, and they are divided into three types; Leukaemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma. Leukaemia: involves the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Bone marrow produces white blood cells (WBC) to fight infection in the human body. Leukaemia is a condition where the human body produces an excessive number of abnormal white blood cells. It stops the normal functioning of other WBCs. Symptoms of Leukemia Fever or chills Fatigue Frequent infections Abnormal weight loss Swollen lymph nodes Enlarged liver or spleen Abnormal bleeding Recurrent nosebleeds Petechiae Excessive night sweats Bone pain Based on which WBC is affected, Leukemia is divided into four; 1. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Produces more abnormal lymphocytes Children between 3-5 are likely to get Adults above 75 are likely to get 2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Starts in Myeloid cells Lowers healthy RBCs, WBCs, and platelets  Fast growing Leukemia Adults above 65 years are likely to get More common in men 3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Most common Leukemia in adults Produces lymphocytes but slower compared to ALL Adults above 70 are likely to get 4. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Starts in Myeloid cells More common in men Seen more in adults Lymphoma:It is the type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, especially the lymph nodes. It affects the white blood cells named the lymphocytes, which are found in lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts. T-cells or T lymphocytes: It controls the body’s immune system response and destroys infected cells and tumour cells.B-cells or B lymphocytes: B cells produce proteins called antibodies which target and kill invading microorganisms. Symptoms of Lymphoma  Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, and upper chest.  Chills Cough Fatigue Enlarged spleen Fever Night sweats Rash Breathlessness  Skin itching Stomach pain Loss of appetite There are two types of cancer that affect the lymphatic system; Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin.  1. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for 4% of all cancers, according to a study by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Men are more likely to develop this type of cancer than women. It is further divided into various types;  Burkitt’s lymphoma: It is a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma. It is commonly found in people with compromised immune systems. Follicular lymphoma: It is a slowly growing lymphoma which starts in the white blood cells (WBC). It is more common in elderly people over 60 years of age.  Mantle cell lymphoma: It is a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma, which involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or bone marrow. Small lymphocytic lymphoma: It is a slow-growing lymphoma which is mostly found in the lymph nodes.  Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma): It is a rare type of blood cancer that sees an abnormal production of antibodies. 2. Hodgkin’s lymphoma Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, originates in the lymphocytes. It develops into B lymphocytes, which produce antibodies that latch on to foreign invaders. These abnormal lymphocytes crowd out healthy WBCs. Hodgkin’s disease is divided into various types;  Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin’s disease: It is an aggressive form of lymphoma that is so rare that it appears only in 1% of all lymphoma cases. The doctor diagnoses an abundance of RS cells. Mixed cellularity Hodgkin’s lymphoma: It is a type of blood cancer that sees mixed cellularity with both lymphocytes and RS cells. Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s disease: NLPHD is a type of lymphoma that is characterized by an absence of RS cells. Nodular sclerosis

Home “>”>Ovarian cancer  Ovarian cancer is the third most commonly reported gynaecological cancer in India. It is also a leading cause of mortality among women. The challenge is that ovarian cancer is mostly hormone-dependent, with estrogen and progesterone influencing its progression. Bookmark this blog to learn everything you need to know about ovarian cancer, treatment, and other matters. “>”>What is ovarian cancer?  Ovaries are a pair of female glands located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs or ova, and one egg is released every month, signalling a woman’s menstrual cycle.Ovarian cancer is a condition where abnormal tumour cells form in the ovaries. Cancer cells destroy healthy body tissue, multiply aggressively and eventually spread to other parts of the human body, a condition known as metastasis. Metastasis of ovarian cancer leads to the formation of tumours in the endometrium, breast, cervix, colon, and stomach. Also read: Benign and malignant tumours: Why is it essential to understand the distinction? “>”>Where does ovarian cancer start? An ovary has three layers; the outer layer, middle layer, and innermost layer.  The outer layer or cuboidal epithelium, is more or less like a capsule.  The middle layer or cortex contains ovarian follicles and connective tissues.  The inner layer or medulla contains neurovascular structures (blood and lymphatic vessels).  Two types of ligaments, the ligament of the ovary and the suspensory ligament of the ovary connect the gland to the uterus and pelvic wall, respectively. The egg from the ovaries goes into the uterus through a structure called a fallopian tube. Depending on the structure, there are three types of ovarian cancer tumours; Epithelial tumours: These start in the cells that cover the epithelial gland. Germ cell tumours: These start in the cells that produce ova. Stromal tumours: Stromal tumours form in the structural tissue that holds the whole ovary together.  Apart from that, the tumours also form in the fallopian tube or epithelium of the uterus. “>”>What are the notable signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?  The biggest drawback of tumours that form in internal organs is that they are neither visible nor feelable. People should be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. The layers of the colon wall are as follows;  Discomfort in the lower abdomen Feeling bloating Swelling of the lower abdomen or hip region Pain during sex Unusual feeling of fullness when eating Unexplained or abnormal weight loss Frequent irritating back pain Fatigue or weakness Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea Frequent urination (tumour presses the bladder) Abnormal bleeding from the vagina Shortness of breath (due to a build-up of fluid in the lungs) “>”>What are the different ovarian cancer types?  Ovarian cancers are classified based on the cell from which the abnormal tumours originated. The general classification of ovarian cancer is as follows; Epithelial ovarian carcinomas: It is the most commonly reported ovarian cancer and accounts for 85 to 90 percent of all ovarian cancers, according to research by the American Cancer Society. The danger of epithelial ovarian cancer is that since it is located on the ovary’s epithelium (outer layer), it spreads to the lining and organs of the pelvis and abdomen. Then it spreads to the lungs, liver, and brain. Epithelial ovarian carcinomas are divided into four; Serous carcinomas: They are classified as either low-grade serous carcinoma or high-grade carcinoma based on how the abnormal cells look when compared to normal cells. Endometrioid carcinomas: These cancer cells divide slowly but spread fast because they often don’t respond to treatment. Mucinous carcinomas: It is a slow-growing cancer that is mostly seen in older women. It is rare and accounts for 6% of all reported ovarian cancers. Clear cell carcinomas: It is uncommon cancer that can be readily cured if detected early. Germ cell tumours: They begin in the reproductive cells of women, which is the ova. According to American Cancer Society researchers, Germ cell cancer is rarely reported. Patients with germ cell tumours have a higher 5-year survival rate. The classification of the germ cell ovarian tumours is as follows; Teratomas: Teratomas can be either benign or malignant. These tumours tend to have structures like bone, muscle, and hair. Dysgerminoma: It is a rare ovarian cancer that divides and spreads slowly. But its metastasis leads to the formation of cancer in the central nervous system. Endodermal sinus tumour or the yolk sac tumour: It generally starts in the ovaries and is reported in children. Choriocarcinomas: It is rare cancer that tends to start in the placenta during the pregnancy period or in the ovaries. Stromal cell tumours: Also known as sex cord tumours and sex cord-gonadal stromal tumours, it is rare cancer that accounts for 1 percent of all reported ovarian cancers, according to research. It starts in the stroma tissue cells that produce estrogen and progesterone.The subtypes of stromal cell tumours are as follows; Granulosa cell tumours Granulosa-theca tumours  Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours Vaginal bleeding is the most commonly reported symptom, and it is often found in its early stages. Therefore, post-menopausal women who experience vaginal bleeding should consult a doctor. Ovarian sarcoma: It starts in the connective tissues of ovarian cells, and the most common symptom is abdominal pain.   Krukenberg tumours: These tumour cells quickly break away from their place of origin, multiply and spread. Therefore, it is considered metastatic or stage 4. The patient usually doesn’t experience any symptoms in the early stages, but they experience gastrointestinal symptoms like change in bowel habits, bloating, etc. Ovarian cysts: It is a condition where fluid-filled sacs develop in the ovaries. They are mostly benign and non-threatening, but they can turn into cancer.  “>”>What is ovarian cancer staging?  The staging process of cancer details how much cancer is there in the human body. Medical expert tailors the treatment process based on the cancer stage. In addition to that, a person’s chance of survival and frequency of treatment depends on the stage of cancer. “>”>Ovarian cancer staging follows the TNM (Tumour, lymph

Home Colon Cancer Abnormal cell division or mitosis leads to the formation of harmful lumps of tissue called tumours or neoplasms. There are two types of tumours or neoplasms; benign and malignant. Malignant tumours are fatal because they divide abnormally, spread and invade other parts of the human body, eventually leading to the person’s death.  What is colon cancer? The colon or large intestine is the portion of the human digestive tract where water is absorbed, and bacteria break down the rest of the substances, which are then moved to the rectum. The rectum holds the waste until it is pushed out through the anus, a process called defecation.  Colon cancer is a condition that affects the colon, where malignant tumours are found in the large intestine. Also known as colorectal cancer, it is a disease that is mostly seen in older adults.  Also read: Benign and malignant tumours Why is it essential to understand the distinction “>Where does colon cancer start?”> The colon or large intestine is divided into the following parts;  Ascending colon It is the part where the food from the small intestine comes in and continues upward on the right side of the person’s abdomen. Transverse colon It is the portion of the large intestine that goes across the body. Descending colon It is the portion of the large intestine that descends downwards on the left side. Sigmoid colon It is the “S” shaped structure that joins the rectum, which is then connected to the anus.  Proximal colon The ascending colon and transverse colon sections together are called the proximal colon. Distal colon The descending colon and sigmoid colon are called the distal colon. Colon cancer can affect any of the portions mentioned above. The peculiarity of this disease is that it usually begins as a small benign tumour called a polyp. However, the polyp is precancerous and should be treated to prevent possible malignancy.  Different types of polyps are as follows;  Adenomatous polyps or adenomas They are fasting-growing precancerous polyps. Depending on location, they are divided into tubular, villous, and tubulovillous. Hyperplastic polyps They are common and need not be precancerous but require screening to check for their malignancy. Sessile serrated polyps or SSP They are polyps with a high risk of developing into malignant tumours. Traditional serrated adenomas or TSA They can also develop into colorectal cancer if left untreated. “>What are the different types of colon cancer? “> Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas which begin in the cells that make mucous to lubricate the inner portions of the colon and rectum.  Carcinoid tumours These begin in the intestine’s hormone-making cells. Gastrointestinal stromal tumours or GISTs It begins in the interstitial cells of Cajal and can be either benign or malignant. Lymphomas They are generally described as cancers of the immune system and mostly start in the lymph nodes. Non- Hodgkin lymphoma is mostly found in the digestive tract. Sarcomas It is the type of cancer that begins in the blood vessels, muscle layers or other connective tissues in the colon or rectum. It is a rare type of cancer. Also read: A healthy lifestyle and early screening help us deal with hormone dependent cancer: Dr Sandip Bipte shares his expertise  “>What are the different stages of colon cancer? “> The staging of colon cancer depends on how much or how far cancer has grown or spread. The treatment plan is determined based on the stage of colon cancer.  The layers of the colon wall are as follows;  Mucosa or the inner lining is where nearly all colorectal cancers begin. The portion beneath the layer, which consists of fibrous tissue, is called the submucosa. Next to it consists of a thick muscle layer. Subserosa and serosa cover the outer portion of the colon (but not the rectum). Tumour is found in any of the layers.   The staging process is done based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer or AJCC TNM system. T or Tumour It depends on how far cancer has grown out of the colon or rectum. Tis refers to a state where the tumour is at it’s earliest stage. T1-T4 refers to the degree of the tumour’s growth.  N or lymph Node It checks whether the cancer tumour has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. N0 refers to the stage where the tumour has not grown into the lymph nodes. N1-N4 refers to how many lymph nodes it has affected.  M or Metastasis It depends on whether the tumour has spread to nearby organs or distant sites. M0 refers to the state where the tumour has not metastasised, whereas M1 means that it has metastasized.  “>”>Think you have colorectal cancer? Get a free consultation. Click here “>What are the different grades of colon cancer? “> Grading of the cancer tumour focuses on how much the tumour cells resemble normal cells under the microscope. There are three types of grades; Grade 1 or low grade The tumour cells resemble the normal cells. Grade 2 or intermediate grade The tumour cells resemble normal cells. Grade 3 or high grade Tumour cells are completely different from normal cells. The cancer treatment method is determined based on the staging and grading.  “>How is colon cancer diagnosed? “> Imaging methods like CT scans, Ultrasound, and body MRI can help determine the presence of colon cancer.  Commonly used tests for Colon cancer are listed as follows;  Colonoscopy The tumour cells resemble the normal cells. Sigmoidoscopy The tumour cells resemble normal cells. Barium enema Tumour cells are completely different from normal cells. Blood tests Tumour cells are completely different from normal cells. Biopsy It is the procedure that helps in determining whether the tumour is benign or malignant. The medical expert takes a sample of the tumour and checks its laboratory conditions.  Additional testing and screening procedures, like CT scans, or MRIs, are utilised to determine the extent of the tumour’s spread. Other methods include the Guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (gFOBT), CEA tumour marker, and Fecal immunochemical test (FIT),