FAQs

Cancer is a term that refers to the unrestricted growth and division of cells, resulting in a mass of cells called a tumor. As the tumor grows, it may invade and destroy nearby cells, tissues, and organs.

There are two kinds of tumors: benign and malignant. A benign tumor is not cancer. Some of the more common types of benign tumors are polyps (small growths) and cysts (liquid filled sacs). Neither cysts nor polyps spread to other parts of your body.

If a tumor is made up of cells that divide rapidly in ways that are not normal, it is a malignant tumor. A malignant tumor is cancer. Much of the concern about cancer is related to whether cancer cells in the tumor have traveled to other parts of the body.

Metastasis is the word used to refer to the stage when cancer cells are found in other parts of your body. Cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes, organs, and other structures. Cells may spread further throughout the body by using the bloodstream or the lymphatic system as a freeway.

In most cases, the first step in diagnosing cancer involves getting a small sample of the material that forms the cancerous area or tumor so it can be carefully examined. This is referred to as a biopsy. A biopsy requires the removal of part of the cancerous material or tumor. This material is sent to a laboratory to determine whether cancerous cells are present. If they are present, the next step is to determine:

• The type of cancer.
• Whether the cancer is found in other tissue.
• Whether hormones encourage its growth (this will help determine the type of medication you may receive to decrease the size of the tumor).
• The tumor's rate of growth (if the cancer is growing rapidly, it will be more susceptible to chemotherapy).

Cancer affects us all. Along with the diagnosis comes choices. We can choose to give in or fight with all we have. We chose the latter. Our weapons; a positive attitude, faith, hope, love, and healing. When you have the first, the rest will follow.