MHSA is seeking to raise awareness on cancer during the month of January through the “Catch it Early” campaign. This article is the first of a two part series and will give a brief overview of cancers which may develop in various body systems.
Tumours are masses of abnormal growth which continuously divide. Malignant tumours, also known as cancers, may spread to other tissues or body systems, while benign tumours in contrast are less harmful as they are restricted to the site of origin.
Skeletal System
The skeletal system is composed of 206 bones, which together form the skeleton. Benign bone tumours are far more common than cancerous ones and in fact bone cancer only makes up 1% of all cancers.
Osteosarcoma is the most common form of bone cancer. The tumour usually develops at long bones; at the humerus (bone at the arm), femur (bone at the thigh), and tibia (one of the bones at the leg). Tumours are more common at the lower limbs than in upper limbs, and they usually present in children, teenagers, and young adults. Furthermore, if the osteosarcoma tumours are cancerous they may metastasise to various body parts, including the brain and other bones, but they most often spread to the lungs.
Nervous System
The nervous system is a collection of cells called neurons, which transmit signals to different body parts. It is composed of the central nervous system which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system which is composed of numerous interconnected nerves all around the body.
The brain is composed of various types of cells, therefore this means that several brain tumours exist. Secondary tumours which metastasise from the breast, colon, kidney, lung, and skin are also quite common. Brain tumours whether primary or secondary are particularly of note as if a mass compresses a part of the brain it may cause malfunction, and hence negatively impact respective body systems.
Circulatory System
The cardiovascular system is composed of the heart which pumps blood along blood vessels, providing oxygen and nutrients to the body.
Primary heart tumours are very rare and according to the European Society of Cardiology they occur in less than 1 out of 2000 autopsies. Most of said tumours are benign, as only 25% are cancerous. These heart tumours tend to grow on the heart wall, rapidly disrupting the heart’s structure and function. Tumours which develop in the heart chambers restrict blood flow and increase the risk of blood backflow. Furthermore, if they develop in the muscular wall of the heart, it can become stiff and will be unable to pump blood efficiently.
Echocardiograms or electrocardiograms are used to distinguish cancer from other heart conditions.
Respiratory System
The respiratory system is a system which transports air into and out of the body. The lungs are one of the most commonly known structures in this system, and as expected they are not excluded from the risk of cancer. The main types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Small cell lung cancer is almost exclusively diagnosed in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small cell lung cancer. It is more aggressive than non-small cell lung cancer as it develops and metastasises easily. In fact by the time that a patient develops symptoms, such as coughing up blood, dyspnoea, wheezing and chest pain, the cancer would have already spread to other parts of the and developed significantly.
Digestive System
The digestive system is primarily responsible for digesting and absorbing food and drinks and it is composed of the oesophagus, stomach, and the large and small intestines, among others.
Colorectal cancer occurs at the large intestine, also known as the colon, and the rectum; the chamber which stores faeces before being passed. It presents with diarrhoea or constipation, blood in faeces, and pain and bloating in the abdomen. This specific cancer has a high recurrence rate, therefore if one had colorectal cancer s/he would be at a higher risk for its redevelopment. Furthermore, in 2017 it had the highest cause of cancer deaths in Malta.
Written by: Malcolm Camilleri