Cancer: Basic and Clinical Aspects

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth with the ability to metastasize to different parts of the body. The human body can be affected by over hundred different kinds of cancers. Tobacco consumption stands as the leading cause of cancer deaths followed by excessive drinking of alcohol and lack of physical activity. In its initial stages, cancer produces no symptoms. However, as the cancerous mass grows and ulcerates, various symptoms appear. Enlarged lymph nodes, pain or fracture of affected bones, enlarged liver or spleen and neurological symptoms may occur in metastatic cancers. Cancer can be diagnosed with the help of CT scans, biopsy, X-rays, endoscopy, blood tests and other tissue tests. The treatment of cancer has undergone rapid development as the understanding of the underlying processes has increased. Modern approaches to cancer management involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, synthetic lethality, hormonal therapy, etc. Due to better insights into the biology and pathogenesis of cancer, innovative treatments are being developed that will increase the precision, effectiveness and survivability of cancer. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of cancer and the recent researches in this field. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the basic and clinical aspects of cancer. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.