Cancer cells can damage healthy cells and tissues and organs in the body. These cells grow rapidly, uncontrollably, and can easily spread. Therefore, the presence of cancer cells in the body is important to be detected as early as possible to prevent serious health problems.
The severity or stage of cancer is determined based on the development of cancer cells. The stage of cancer can also provide an overview of the growth of cancer cells and whether the cancer cells have spread to other organs or body tissues.
The growth of cancer cells is important to be detected as early as possible before the cancer develops into an advanced stage or is already severe. The earlier cancer cells are detected and treated by doctors, the higher the chance to recover from cancer.
The Process of Formation of Cancer Cells
The human body is composed of trillions of cells. Over time, these cells will age, break down, die, and no longer function.
Healthy cells will grow and divide regularly to replace damaged, old, or dead cells, so the body can continue to function.
However, these normal cells can sometimes change and grow uncontrollably, damaging normal cells and tissues of the body. These cells that grow uncontrollably are called cancer cells.
This uncontrolled cell growth can interfere with the functioning of the body's organs. Until now, the exact cause of the growth of cancer cells is still unknown. However, there are several factors that are known to increase the risk of forming cancer cells, including:
- Genetic factors or having a biological family who has had cancer
- Long-term exposure to free radicals, radiation or sunlight
- Chronic inflammation
- Infections, such as infection with the HPV virus
- Unhealthy lifestyle, for example smoking frequently, consuming alcoholic beverages, or having an unhealthy diet
Severity or Stage of Cancer
Some cases of cancer can be detected at an early stage, but not a few people are aware of the growth of cancer cells in their body after entering the final stage.
Cancer staging is useful for doctors to understand how severe the cancer is and the chances of survival for cancer sufferers.
In addition, the stage of cancer can also be considered by doctors to determine the best and most appropriate treatment plan for the overall health condition of the cancer patient.
The following is the severity or stage of the cancer:
Stage 0
At stage 0, new cancer cells grow and have not spread to other surrounding tissues or organs. Stage 0 cancer, also known as carcinoma in situ, is generally asymptomatic, so many people do not realize that there are cancer cells in the body.
However, if cancer cells are detected early and removed immediately, the success rate of cancer treatment at this early stage is quite high.
Stage I
Stage I cancer describes a condition when cancer cells have grown and form small tumor tissue. The growth of cancer cells or tissue at this stage generally does not cause typical symptoms, so many people do not know that they have cancer.
Cancer cells at this stage also have not grown into the body's tissues or have not spread to other parts of the body.
Stage II
In stage II, cancer cells have developed and grow to a larger size than stage I. Cancer cells at this stage still survive where they first appeared and have not spread to other parts of the body.
Stage II cancer that is not treated immediately can develop into more advanced stages of cancer.
Stage III
Stage III cancer cells are similar to stage II cancer cells. However, these cells have grown deeper into the tissues or organs of the body.
Cancer cells in stage III also generally have started to spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. However, cancer cells have not yet spread to other parts of the body that are far from the initial location of cancer cells growing.
Stage IV
At this stage, cancer cells that originally grew in certain body tissues have developed and spread to other organs. For example, cancer cells that initially grow in the lungs can spread to the brain when it reaches stage IV. The spread of cancer cells is known as cancer cell metastasis.
The higher the stage of cancer that forms in the body, the lower the chance to recover from cancer. That's why it's important to detect cancer cells early so they can be completely removed from the body.
Generally, doctors will remove cancer cells in several ways, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.
Cancer Disease Level
Apart from the stadium (stage), cancer also has grades (grade). This level is assessed based on the nature and shape of the cancer cells. Assessment of the level of cancer cells is determined based on the condition of cancer cells on biopsy examination.
tier or grading Cancer cells can be classified as follows:
Level 1
Cancer cells don't look like abnormal cells yet. At this level, cancer cells still look similar to normal cells and their growth is still normal.
Level 2
Cancer cells begin to show characteristics that are different from normal cells. Cancer cell growth starts faster when compared to normal cells.
Level 3
Cancer cells at this level are clearly visible as abnormal cells. Cancer cells at level 3 have also begun to grow very actively and begin to damage the normal tissue around them.
To detect the presence of cancer cells, it would be better if you check your health regularly as recommended by your doctor. Early detection of cancer is very beneficial for the treatment and chances of successful cancer treatment.
To detect cancer cells early, the doctor may suggest several examinations consisting of physical and supporting examinations, such as cancer screening examinations, tumor markers, or examination of body tissues, for example through PAP smear.
If cancer cells are detected in your body, your doctor will suggest steps to treat your cancer based on its severity and your overall health condition.