Oncology

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a general term for the abnormal growth of cells. A cancer cell has an abnormal chromosome from either a genetic change or from some sort of damage or injury. This abnormal cell starts sending the body the wrong message, and the cell begins to grow rapidly to form a lump or mass that is called a tumor.

Removing and examining some of the abnormal cell tissue from the tumor (a biopsy) will determine if the tumor is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (non-malignant). If the cells are malignant and the diagnosis of cancer is made, your doctor will discuss the best way to treat your particular situation.