Understanding Tumors and Chronic Diseases

Tumors

In normal tissues, cells divide to replace old or damaged cells. This balance can be disrupted, leading to tumor formation. Tumors are defined as a mass of disorganized tissue. Most tumors are benign, meaning they grow locally and do not spread.

Malignant Tumors: Cancer

Cancer is a malignant tumor whose cells can spread from the initial tumor site to other parts of the body. These cells have two key characteristics:

1. Invasiveness: Ability to penetrate and spread through adjacent tissues.
2. Metastasis: Capacity to enter the blood and lymph systems, travel to other parts of the body, and form secondary tumors.

Cancer Treatment

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor mass.
• Radiotherapy: Use of radiation to shrink cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Administration of drugs that kill cancer cells.
• Hormone treatments: Effective in some cancers that require hormones to develop.
• Immunotherapy: Use of agents that enhance the immune system to eliminate the tumor.

Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic Diseases

Diabetes Mellitus

A chronic disease caused by a partial or total deficiency of insulin, a hormone that controls blood glucose levels.

Obesity

Defined as excess body fat, which can be caused by multiple factors: hereditary, endocrine, cardiovascular diseases, or metabolic disorders.

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Occurs when a portion of the heart muscle is deprived of blood supply, usually due to a blockage in the coronary arteries.

Stroke

Occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, usually due to a blood clot obstructing a cerebral artery.

Stroke Risk Factors

• Non-modifiable: Advanced age, male sex, or history of cardiovascular diseases.
• Modifiable: Tobacco use, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, stress, respiratory diseases.

Respiratory Diseases

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Due to narrowing or obstruction of the respiratory tract, reducing the volume of exhaled air (e.g., asthma, bronchitis).

Restrictive Lung Disease

Due to reduced elasticity of the lungs, reducing the total amount of air they can hold.

Mental Illnesses

Effective treatments exist, but individuals may not seek them due to shame or fear. Everyone can help treat the mentally ill with respect and dignity, without labeling them by their diagnosis.