Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer leading to deaths among women in the country. This article covers some important points to help you understand the basics of breast cancer. What is breast cancer? Abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cancer in the breast cells is called breast cancer. It is a malignant tumor that first develops in the lobules, ducts, or stromal tissues in the breasts and may metastasize to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes. It affects more women than men. What are the different types of breast cancer? While there are several types of breast cancer depending on which part of the breast is affected, the most common ones are as follows: Non-invasive breast cancer Some cancers are localized to specific areas of the breasts and are called non-invasive breast cancer. Being diagnosed with these types can increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS : This cancer occurs in the ducts of the breasts that carry milk to the nipples. Lobular carcinoma in situ or LCIS : This cancer develops in the lobules, the milk-producing glands of the breasts. Invasive breast cancer When the cancer cells spread to the surrounding tissues within the breast or to the lymph nodes in the armpits, it is called invasive breast cancer.

Thyroid cancer occurs in the thyroid gland. It is a butterfly shaped gland which is located in the base of the neck. The thyroid gland produces a hormone known as thyroxine that regulates blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and weight. Although this form of cancer is not common in our country, there has been a rise in the same the recent years. Causes and types of thyroid cancer It occurs when the thyroid cells in the gland undergoes genetic changes which are called as mutations. The mutations causes malignant cells to grow and multiply exponentially, causing normal cells to die. The abnormal cells form a tumor and invade the nearby tissues, which spread throughout the body. Mentioned below are types of thyroid cancer: Follicular thyroid cancer This type of cancer originates from follicular cells present in the thyroid and usually affects people older than 50 years. Hurthle cell cancer is a type of follicular cancer which is rare and potentially aggressive and requires immediate treatment. Papillary thyroid cancer It makes 80% of total cases of thyroid cancer and also arises from follicular cells. Papillary thyroid cancer can occur at any age but mostly affects people between the age 30 and 50.

Gout is an aching and potentially disabling form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints that begins suddenly. It is caused by the crystals of uric acid in joints. The severe form of gout could sometimes affect many joints at once and is called as polyarticular gout. Symptoms and signs The first symptoms are, usually, intense episodes of painful swelling in single joints, especially the big toe and nodules under the skins that are known as Tophi. The swollen site may be warm and red in color. Causes When a high amount of uric acid, which is a normal waste product of the body, collects and forms a needle‐like urate crystal deposits in the joints, gout occurs. When the production of uric acid increases, the kidneys cannot remove it from the body completely. There are certain foods and drugs that may raise the uric acid levels and could steer to gout attacks. This food includes red meat, alcohol in excess amount, and the sugary drinks and foods that are rich in fructose. The increased uric acid levels in the blood may rise to create deposits of urate crystals in and around the joints. This can attract WBCs, leading to severe and painful gout attacks and very chronic arthritis.

The word schizophrenia roughly translates to as “splitting of the mind” and comes from the Greek word, schizein. Schizophrenia refers to the separation of functions between personality, thoughts, memory, and perception. It is a serious mental condition that is linked with abnormal behavior and disorganized speech. Symptoms Major symptoms of schizophrenia include: Delusions – The patient can experience false beliefs in many forms, such as delusions of persecution, or delusions of grandeur. They may want to adopt different approaches about controlling them or simply feel that they are authorized to control others. Hallucinations – A wide range of hallucinations, for example, hearing different voices is possible in patients with schizophrenia. Thought disorder – The person may jump or turn from one subject to another with no logical organization in thought and speech. Lack of motivation (avolition) – The patient loses their drive. He/she can forget cooking, eating, etc. Poor expression of emotions – The patient is unable to express emotions such as happiness or sadness. Social withdrawal – Generally, schizophrenic patients withdraw themselves from the society and family, friends, and social connections. Unawareness of illness – Patients are so engaged with their false beliefs that they never agree that they are sick, and they refuse medication.

Skin cancer is a severe medical condition where abnormal cells develop on the epidermal layer. Areas exposed to the sun are more susceptible to this skin condition. There are four principal types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Common symptoms include flesh-colored or brown lesion that does not go away, bleeding sore that heals up only to return in a few days, waxy bump, development of new asymmetrical moles,  and lesion having an uneven or ragged outline with a diameter more than quarter-inch. The chances of skin cancer diminish by limiting the exposure to ultraviolet rays. Regular screening and timely detection help in the successful treatment of this condition. Causes of skin cancer Detailed below are some of the causes of skin cancer. Mutations in DNA One of the most significant causes of malignancy in skin cells is mutations in the DNA of epidermal cells. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and under normal circumstances, it continually gives rise to new cells by division. When there is a change in their chromosomal structure due to mutation, it produces an uncontrolled mass of abnormal cells. UV exposure Ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful energy emitted by the sun.