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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Veterinary Medicine

Check out the Vet Gazette
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700
Stay up-to-date with the College of Veterinary Medicine with the Vet Gazette.
What Makes a Happy Cow?
Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700
Oregon State University dairy cows are sporting a fashionable new orange accessorythat is designed to gather a variety of information on the cows' movements, which will allow researchers to learn which conditions, including food, surroundings and density of cows put together, make them the happiest. <img class="thumb" src="http://oregonstate.edu/enewsletter/images/happycow.jpg" alt="Photo of Cow" title="OSU Makes Cows Happy" />
Check out the Vet Gazette
Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700
Stay up-to-date on news in the College of Veterinary Medicine!
Pet Day 2009 is Coming!
Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700
Oregon State's College of Veterinary Medicine is pleased to host its 22nd annual Pet Day and Open House on May 2. Check it out! <img class="thumb" src="http://oregonstate.edu/enewsletter/images/petday2009.jpg" alt="Pet Day logo" title="College of Veterinary Medicine hosts Pet Day" />
Oregon State Researchers Monitoring Potential Spread of Fungal Disease
Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700
A fungal organism called Cryptococcus gattii, which caused a disease outbreak among humans and animals on Vancouver Island 10 years ago, may be showing signs of emerging in other areas of the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, say pathologists at OSU.
OSU Researcher to Work with Marion County Youths on Vet Med Project
Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800
Elementary students at Marion and Turner schools in Marion County will have the opportunity to learn about the intestinal physiology of a llama, examine a freeze-dried horse leg, compare the differences between a veterinarian and a medical doctor, and help conduct an exam on a dog.

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