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askthedoctor
Cancer Facts
Whether you are a patient, a family member, or a concerned
friend, a basic understanding of cancer-related terms can
be helpful. By Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, D.O.
A
tumor is a swelling or en- For example, if a patient complains of
largement, a growth. Not all a chronic cough, a chest X-ray can help
tumors are cancer; tumors can evaluate the lungs and search for masses.
be either benign or malignant. A benign A patient with recent onset of severe
tumor is not cancer and will not spread headaches and loss of balance and co-
to other parts of the body. ordination might receive an MRI of the
There are many types of benign tu- head. A patient with recent swallowing
mors. Some, such as uterine fi broids, are problems might have an “upper GI” or
muscular tissue. Others are fatty tissue. “barium swallow,” which involves drink-
An abscess can appear as a tumor. Benign ing a substance, then using radiological
Look for More Can-
tumors are rarely dangerous, though procedures to follow it as it travels from
cer Info in October
sometimes they can grow and cause pres- the mouth through the esophagus to the
■ This is the first of two sure or damage to surrounding tissue. For stomach and out of the body.
Ask the Doctor columns
example, a benign tumor of the brain can A defi nitive diagnosis of cancer gener-
discussing cancer. Next
become very serious. ally requires a biopsy (surgical removal
month, Rear Admiral
Johnson will explain
Malignant tumors, also called cancer, of a piece of tissue). A biopsy sometimes
staging and treatment
are composed of rapidly dividing cells involves a surgical procedure to remove
of this disease. that can spread (metastasize) to other part or all of a tumor, or it might be limit-
parts of the body. Cells from a malignant ed to a simple needle biopsy — aspirating
tumor can travel via the blood or lymph and taking a very small amount of tissue
system to other parts of the body, where with a needle.
they grow. Common sites of metastasis Whatever biopsy procedure is per-
are the liver and brain because of their formed, the removed tissue will be exam-
large blood supplies. Malignant tumors ined under a microscope to see whether
also can metastasize to adjacent organs the cells show rapid growth, confi rming
by local invasion. cancer. Adjacent lymph nodes or other tis-
Under a microscope, cancer cells resem- sue also might be removed and examined
ble the cells of the organ where they began to see whether tumor cells have spread.
— the primary organ, e.g., the lung, breast, Once a cancer diagnosis is made, a patient
or prostate — but also exhibit characteris- and medical personnel will determine the
tics of rapid or uncontrolled growth. optimal treatment plan. MO
A physician might suspect cancer based
on a patient’s concerns or the results of
— Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS-Ret.,
a physical exam, including blood tests.
D.O., M.A., is vice president, Health Sciences,
Battelle Memorial Institute, Arlington, Va. Find
An evaluation could begin with radiology
more health and wellness resources at www
procedures. The specifi c procedure would
.moaa.org/wellness. For submission information,
depend on the type of cancer suspected. see page 20.
52 MILITARY OFFICER SEPTEMBER 2009 PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT
SSept_ask dr.indd 52ept_ask dr.indd 52 77/31/09 12:49 PM/31/09 12:49 PM
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