What is Organ cancer

By Ujala Cygnus

Reviewed by : Jalaz Jain

January 16, 2023

Overview

Cancer refers to the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in one’s body. They can begin at any organ and tissue and go on to spread throughout one’s body in severe cases. Cancer is a fatal disease affecting at least 39.5% of the population. It’s fatal since it disrupts the oxygen supply to organs and builds up massive waste products. Cancer affecting specific organs is known as carcinoma.

Types

In general, carcinoma can be of 6 types. They are:

Renal cell carcinoma: It refers to cancer found in the kidney. Usually, older people aged 50-70 are affected by renal cell carcinoma. Early detection and treatment can help to cure it completely.

Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer occurs in the epithelial tissues. These tissues line organs and produce substances like mucus and fluids. It is usually found in the breast, stomach, lungs, colon, etc.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: This type of skin cancer occurs in areas exposed to the sun. Prescribing creams and surgery can help to cure this type of cancer. In a few severe cases, radiation therapy is also opted for.

Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most popular types of skin cancer arising from damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. Frequent use of tanning beds and exposure to certain chemicals can increase one’s chances of contracting squamous cell carcinoma.

Ductal Carcinoma in situ: It’s cancer arising inside the milk duct of a breast. This is usually cured with the help of surgery, followed by radiation therapy. In some cases, patients go under hormone therapy too.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: This type of cancer originates in the milk ducts and spreads to the rest of the breast. It can also spread to the rest of the organs, making it very dangerous.

Causes

The leading causes of organ cancer are:

Smoking

Obesity

Family history of cancer in specific organs like kidney

Obesity

Alcoholism

Inherited syndromes

Hepatitis

Cirrhosis

Chronic bladder infections

Exposure to chemicals

Exposure to harmful UV rays

High blood pressure

Symptoms

Symptoms of organ cancer may include:

Blood in urination

Severely painful urination

Lumps in the stomach

Weight loss

Diagnosis

Several tests are conducted to diagnose organ cancer; some of them are:

CT scans

Bone scans

MRI scans

Ultrasound and X-ray

Biopsy

Positron emission tomography scan

Treatment

Organ cancer is usually treated through:

Surgeries

Radiation and chemotherapy

Hormone therapy may be required in case of certain breast cancers

Prescribed creams to cure certain skin cancers completely

Prevention

One can reduce the risks of contracting organ cancer by:

Quitting smoking

Quitting alcohol

Lathering sunscreen on exposed skin before stepping out in the sun

Maintaining a healthy weight

Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals

Lowering BP

Maintaining a balanced diet

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