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Cancer Health Center

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Cancer Overview

Cancer, also called malignancy, is characterized by an abnormal growth of cells. There are more than 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma.Cancer symptoms vary widely based on the type of cancer. Cancer treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. If you’re considering complementary treatments for cancer, discuss this with your doctor as they may interact with other cancer treatment.

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Pap Tests Often Given When Not Needed

Against clinical guidelines, many women are still getting Pap smears (a test that’s meant to find cancer of the cervix) even after they've had had a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and cervix, according to a new government report.

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Understanding Cancer -- Diagnosis and Treatment

How Is Cancer Diagnosed?

The earlier cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of its being cured. Some types of cancer -- such as those of the skin, breast, mouth, testicles, prostate, and rectum -- may be detected by routine self-exam or other screening measures before the symptoms become serious. Most cases of cancer are detected and diagnosed after a tumor can be felt or when other symptoms develop. In a few cases, cancer is diagnosed incidentally as a result of evaluating or treating other medical conditions.

Cancer diagnosis begins with a thorough physical exam and a complete medical history. Laboratory studies of blood, urine, and stool can detect abnormalities that may indicate cancer. When a tumor is suspected, imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and fiber-optic endoscopy examinations help doctors determine the cancer's location and size. To confirm the cancer diagnosis, a biopsy is performed in which a tissue sample is surgically removed from the suspected tumor and studied under a microscope to check for cancer cells. This is mandatory to diagnose cancer.

Understanding Cancer -- Diagnosis and Treatment