History of cancer	Ch 1
		Page 1 / 13

Chapters Index French Version Welcome page Contact

Definition

There is no easy definition of cancer.

We can define cancer as a pathological process during which some cells escape from the physiological control of differentiation and multiplication. These cells then acquire the capability of invading normal surrounding tissues, thus destroying them. Simultaneously or consequently, the cells migrate to various organs and constitute metastases.

The death of the tumor host occurs :

• either by an acute complication (like haemorrhage, brain compression, suffocating dyspnoea)
  
• or by a progressive deterioration of the functions of normal organs due to massive metastases (respiratory insufficiency, hepatic insufficiency),
  
• or by a long and complete degradation of the general health of the patient (called cachexia)

Natural history of cancer

The following description is a representation of the natural history of cancer (without treatment). In reality, every type of cancer (every cancer) probably has different initiation and promotion factors as well as progression history. However, this general diagram describes what cancer is..

Chapter titles :

• Inial steps

• Local evolution

• Metastatic process

• Interactions with the host

Other chapters of this website

• Natural history of cancer
• Cancer prevention
• Cancer screening
• Cancer diagnosis
• Tumour markers
• Principles of Cancer Classification
• Cancer surgery
• Cancer radiotherapy
• Cancer chemotherapy
• Cancer hormonotherapy
• Other cancer therapies
• Multidisciplinary approach of cancer patients
• Psychological aspects
• Post-therapeutic follow-up
• Palliative care in cancer
• Cancer emergencies