Normally, the growth of the cells in the tissues of the body is rigidly regulated so that nothing goes wrong. When this regulation is lost due to some reason, there is uncontrolled proliferation of cells. This process is called carcinogenesis. The abnormal growth of cells is also called tumor formation. A tumor can be benign or, malignant. A benign tumor is relatively harmless. However, benign tumors are also removed through surgery as there is a possibility of this turning into a cancer. A cancer can invade the neighboring tissues with serious and fatal consequences.
Metastasis
Some of the cancer cells can detach themselves from the primary cancer site and travel through the blood and the lymphatic system. Subsequently, they attach themselves to other distant organs to establish a new colony of cancer cells. This process is called secondary cancer, also commonly known as metastasis. When metastasis has occurred, surgery is no longer the preferred option. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are commonly employed when metastasis has taken place. Such treatments involve several side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of hair and compromised immunity.
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