Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. Metastasis is defined as the stage in which cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancer may affect people at all ages, but risk tends to increase with age. It is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries.
There are many types of cancer. Severity of symptoms depends on the site and character of the malignancy and whether there is metastasis. A definitive diagnosis usually requires the histologic examination of tissue by a pathologist. This tissue is obtained by biopsy or surgery. Most cancers can be treated and some cured, depending on the specific type, location, and stage. Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As research develops, treatments are becoming more specific for the type of cancer pathology. Drugs that target specific cancers already exist for several cancers. If untreated, cancers may eventually cause illness and death, though this is not always the case.
The unregulated growth that characterizes cancer is caused by damage to DNA, resulting in mutations to genes that encode for proteins controlling cell division. Many mutation events may be required to transform a normal cell into a malignant cell. These mutations can be caused by chemicals or physical agents called carcinogens, by close exposure to radioactive materials, or by certain viruses that can insert their DNA into the human genome. Mutations occur spontaneously, or are passed down generations as a result of germ line mutations.
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AVMA Care For Pets - About Cancer - Cancer information for owners from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Meta Description: [ Pet health information for pet owners... ]
Bone Cancer - Overview about treatment for bone cancer in dogs and cats.
Meta Description: [ Veterianarian article that discusses canine and feline osteosarcoma including signs, differing treatment and prognosis. ]
Cancer in Animals - An overview of cancer and its treatment in pets. Covers chemotherapy in general, and a couple specific tumor types.
OncoLink Vet - General information about veterinary oncology.
Meta Description: [ OncoLink, the Web's first cancer resource, provides comprehensive information on all cancer types, cancer treatments, cancer research advances, continuing medical education, and cancer prevention. ]
Pet Cancer Support Group - An online support group for people who have or have had pets with cancer.
Radiation Therapy - Provides a brief explanation of the procedure, with photographs and FAQ. From the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin.
Meta Description: [ A description of Radiation Therapy at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of Wisconsin Madison ]
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