Malignization

Malignancy is a deviation of the development of a cell in the human body, caused by the acquisition of tissue material of a normal or pathologically transformed structure.

At the heart of this phenomenon is a failure in the process of realizing a genetically determined program for the formation of a specialized phenotype of cells, as well as activating the growth of the body tissue by multiplying cells by division.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Causes of malignancy

Despite persistent long-term studies, to date, there is no medicine that can defeat cancer. And a considerable part in the absence of a solution is due to the unsettledness of the reasons for the disintegration and dedifferentiation of healthy cells.

What are the alleged causes of malignancy? To date, there are many different hypotheses, but none of them has been found to be authentic. It is clear only that a certain combination of unfavorable factors occurs, which triggers the process of rebirth.

Presumably, the causes of malignancy are divided according to the direction of the effect:

• Internal provocative reasons:
  • Chronic inflammatory diseases.
  • Decreased immune defenses of the body.
  • Failure in the endocrine system.
  • Diseases of viral and fungal nature.
  • Prolonged stressful situations.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • The strongest psychological crisis.
  • Hereditary predisposition.
  • Imbalance of hormones.
• External provocative reasons:
  • The dose of hard X-ray irradiation is higher than the norm.
  • Environmental pollution.
  • Insolation.
  • Long-term exposure to chemically active substances on the human body.
  • Not proper nutrition: the use of carcinogens, dyes, stabilizers, genetically derived products and much more.

Naturally, this is not a complete list of the alleged causes, due to which malignancy of cells leading to such terrible consequences is observed.

[5], [6], [7]

Cell malignancy

Malignization of cells is an autonomously progressing process of appearance in the human body of cancerous growths, by the regeneration of healthy cells in them, or already pathologically altered cells, but of a benign nature. Perestroika undergoes the entire structure of the degenerated cell, it actively begins to expand. At the initial stage, the patient does not experience discomfort, without even guessing about his disease. At this stage, it is also difficult to diagnose pathology.

In the majority, the structures weighed down by erosions, ulcerative lesions, as well as polyps and tumors of benign genesis are susceptible to malignancy. The process of malignant cell degeneration is unregulated and irreversible, creating new foci of lesions (metastasis), which contributes to a rapid increase in the percentage of deaths.

The reason for such a malfunction may be of a genetic nature, or it may be related to external and internal factors. Kupirovanie early stages of the disease, makes the further life forecast quite favorable.

[8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]

Signs of malignancy

In many ways, the symptomatology of the disease depends on the location of the pathology. Cancer cells that affect a particular organ give symptoms of the lesion of the site. But there are signs of malignancy, which are akin to each pathology:

• Violation of the genetically engineered program in the process of execution, which is responsible for the appearance and development of cells of different phenotype, endowed with different functional load.
• Activation of cell division abilities.
• The change in the structure of the cell, causing a malfunction in its functioning.
• Strongly expressed desire of the cell to constant division.
• Metastasis.
• Antagonistic features of cancer cells.
• Polymorphism of cells.

Malignant polyp

Polyps are benign neoplasms, degenerated from epithelial cells of the body. At a confluence of certain factors polyps can be formed in any, having a cavity, covered with mucous, an organ. This and the nasal cavity, and anus, and oral cavity, bronchi and gastrointestinal tract, uterus, bile and urinary bladder and so on. This is confirmed by the "wide geography" of the clinic.

Polyps are found by single or fairly large conglomerates (this refers to papillomatosis). Malignancy of the polyp is quite an actual topic, leading the cells of polyps to the supposed transformation - adenocarcinoma. Depending on the location of the localization, a different level of malignancy is observed. It varies in a fairly large range of values.

For example, with single growths diagnosed in the large intestine, the malignancy of the polyp is two to seven percent. In the case of accumulation of polyps, the process of degeneration occurs much more often and reaches 95%. If the papillomatosis, which is a symptom of the Türko syndrome, is diagnosed, the level of degeneration is 100%. Proceeding from this, the doctors developed their own treatment tactics, which depends on the polyps belonging to this or that type.

With rare exception, polyps of all categories are subject to excision and thorough histological examination. Innovative endoscopic equipment makes it possible to carry out this procedure quickly and painlessly, under the conditions of a polyclinic.

In the case of extensive lesions of the papillomatosis (polyposis) of the intestine, when the level of degeneration is designated as 100%, physicians are assigned a classical band surgery, involving resection of part of the affected bowel followed by restorative plasty.

Monitoring of this disease shows that in patients with diagnosed polyps, colon cancer is also often noted. This suggests that the polyp is a precancerous neoplasm. In order to prevent cancer, polypectomy is widely used - endoscopic polyp removal, because education, even a small size - is still a tumor, even benign. She in fact at any moment can start to be regenerated in a malignant tumor. The cellular structure of the polyp is different from normal cells. This difference is called oncology dysplasia. Over time, the degree of dysplasia increases, turning into cancer - this process is called malignant degeneration of the polyp. Therefore, this pathology should be removed.

Malignancy of the stomach ulcer

It is not uncommon for cases (from 3 to 15%) of degeneration of ulcerative pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract into cancer tumors - this process is called malignancy of the stomach ulcer. To date, the causes that catalyze the development of cancer are not thoroughly known, but multiple studies with a high degree of probability allow us to detect malnutrition, poor in vegetables and fruits, consumption of large amounts of fried, smoked food, as well as hereditary predisposition.

Symptoms of malignant stomach ulcers are as follows:

• Decrease in the general tone of life.
• Changing taste preferences, ignoring meat dishes.
• Loss of appetite.
• Pain sensations in the stomach become more intense and constant, stop responding to the usual medications. The dependence of the appearance of pain on food intake is no longer seen, as is the case with ulcer manifestations of the disease.
• Other symptoms associated with the stomach are added:
  • Practically not passing or taking place a nausea.
  • Periodic attacks of vomiting.
  • A belch with a fetid smell.
  • Heaviness in the region of the stomach.
• There is a general depletion of the patient's body.
• There is pallor of the skin.

Diagnose the malignant degeneration of this organ by the same methods as in the case of a stomach ulcer.

Malignancy of adenoma

Already initially adenoma is referred to real tumors. According to statistics, they are diagnosed less than 16 times less often than, for example, diagnosed with hyperplasia-like polyps or foveolar hyperplasia. But malignancy of the adenoma, depending on the site of its localization, occurs in a wide percentage range - from 6 to 75%. For example, in patients suffering from stomach cancer, malignancy of the adenoma is observed in 29 to 59 cases out of a hundred. In many respects, the process of degeneration depends on the size of the neoplasm.

The most dangerous in terms of transformation are neoplasms with a diameter of more than two centimeters. Based on this, it can be argued that the endoscopic polypectomy performed by small polyps can reduce the percentage of malignant adenomas.

Malignant nevus

Mole on the face can give charm to its owner, and can disfigure. But from a medical point of view, the owner of nevi is a potential contender for the development of skin melanoma, perhaps the most dangerous cancerous growth. The risk of rebirth is greater, the more significant the number of birthmarks on the human body. In many ways, the malignant degeneration of the nevus also depends on their shape. The risk of degeneration is greater in those neoplasms that have a form protruding above the surface of the skin.

The catalyst for malignant nevus can be:

• Constant friction of shoes and clothes in the field of a mole.
• Single or multiple injuries, abrasions and cuts affecting the nevus.

The most susceptible to malignancy are two types of nevi: congenital and dysplastic. At the confluence of certain factors, malignancy shows 100% cell degeneration in malignant tumors, especially with regard to dysplastic nevi.

More likely to malignant nevus size of more than 2 cm, the frequency of transformation is 5-20%. Especially dangerous are neoplasms located on the face. A person with a significant number of nevi (more than 20 pieces) is at greater risk of getting melanoma - the risk of degeneration, in this case tripling.

In connection with the fact that in half of the cases melanoma is reborn from the nevus - they are considered as premalignant neoplasms. Therefore, oncologists recommend, if possible, remove all convex nevuses on the body.

Malignancy of the papilloma

To date, about 70 kinds of human papillomavirus are known, among which there are those who have a high predisposition to oncology. Getting into the human body, malignant papilloma is provoked. That is, papilloma can also be called precancerous formation, under certain conditions provoking the development of skin cancer. Although the oncogeny of the papilloma is rare.

To register for an examination with a dermatologist should make the following symptoms:

• The growth of the papilloma, a change in its shape.
• Violation of the integrity of its coating layer.
• Appearance of blood or serous discharge.
• Change the shade of education, especially if there are small blotches on its background.
• Burning and itching in the papilloma area.

The malignancy of the papilloma is associated with an increase in the activity of the human papillomavirus. The causes provoking this activation are called hormonal failures in the body, inflammatory processes of a chronic nature, suppression of immunity. Only the doctor can determine the cause of the pathology. Having passed the necessary examination, it is possible to reveal signs of cancerous transformations. Only after this, the oncologist will be able to prescribe the necessary treatment. Usually, the doctor recommends the removal of both benign and malignant papillomas.

Malignancy of the thyroid nodule

Detection of benign thyroid lesions during the examination prompts the doctor to treat the patient more attentively. From now on, he must be under constant medical supervision. After all, such tumors can grow, increasing pressure on nearby organs, which significantly affects their work. Although insignificant, but there is a possibility of maligning the nodes. Fingering of the thyroid nodule was detected in only 5% of patients, whereas in general the nodules on the thyroid gland found in 95% of the population. But even such a small percentage of rebirths is enough to not let the patient out of the field of oncologists' view, although malignant thyroid nodules are denied by most opponents.

Malignancy of fibroids

Myoma is already a benign neoplasm, which cultivates on the mucous membrane of the uterus, and consists of muscle fibers or connective tissues. The myoma is quite strong also varies in size: from a few millimeters to the size of an adult's fist. Mostly this pathology occurs in the womb of the uterus, less on the cervix. Less common single fibroids (they "love" the neighborhood of their own kind).

The cause of the development of fibroids in women, gynecologists call:

• Genetic heredity.
• The risk of pathology also increases in women who have undergone abortion or diagnostic curettage. At the same time, the higher the risk, the more the woman has undergone such procedures.
• Overweight.
• Diabetes.
• Failures in the work of the endocrine and metabolic systems.
• The risk of disease in nulliparous women is high.
• Violation of the menstrual cycle.
• Incorrect or prolonged intake of drugs on a hormonal basis.
• Stress.
• Smoking.
• Incorrect use of contraceptives.

In most cases, the myoma remains a benign tumor, but a small percentage passes into the pre-sarcoma phase - this path is called - the malignant degeneration of fibroids.

The structure of myoma is heterogeneous and their pathology reaches 75%, but only one percent of them are malignant.

Malignancy of uterine myoma

Myoma of the uterus is considered a benign neoplasm. This disease accounts for a third of all gynecological diseases and is found mainly in women aged 30 to 45 years. The morphological heterogeneity of myoma structures divides it into three forms:

• Benign myomas of muscle hyperplasia.
• Proliferating fibroids. Most of these fibroids are rapidly growing. The pathological mitosis of these nodes is not more than 25%.
• Predsarkomy. The most dangerous species, which is the last stage to degeneration. Malignancy of uterine fibroids is just around the corner. This pathology is manifested by multiple foci of growth of myogenic cells with traces of atypia. But true malignancy occurs in less than 1% of clinical cases.

Malignancy of the endometrial epithelium

Hypertrophy of the endometrium (thickening) develops due to the increase in the volume of intercellular structures, the quantitative and dimensional growth of the cellular epithelium of glandular and connective tissues. Hypertrophic changes lead to endometrial hyperplasia. The most dangerous complication of the development of this pathology is the malignancy of the epithelium of the endometrium, it eats its malignancy.

Depending on the age of the woman, the severity of her anamnesis and the rate of development of the disease, malignancy of the endometrial epithelium is manifested in 1 to 55 cases out of a hundred.

Endometrial hyperplasia can lead to:

• Disorders of the hormonal background (quantitative growth of estrogen, and a decrease in the volume of progesterone).
• Growth of intercellular fluid volumes.
• Activation of the process of cell division.
• Liver dysfunction.
• Approaching menopause.
• Overweight.
• Hypertension.
• Polycystic ovary.
• Mastopathy.
• Chronic stress.

Malignization of the birthmark

Melanoma or skin cancer is the result of malignancy of benign formation (mole) or malignancy of the mole. The reason for this process is the rapid uncontrolled growth of melanocytes in human skin structures. Normally melanocytes produce a pigment melanin, which is responsible for a dark shade of the skin. Under the influence of direct sunlight, the development of this pigment is intensified, the skin acquires a dark tint (tan). Melanin is the body's defense against solar radiation. Excess melanin in a specific area of the skin and forms a mole.

Cancer melanoma is the most severe case of oncological skin disease. When untimely removal of the malignant birthmark, the cancerous tumor begins to metastasize very quickly.

The greatest risk of malignancy of the mole:

• Hereditary predisposition.
• People with light skin color, eyes and hair.
• If a person "burns" in direct sunlight, even with a minimum residence time.
• If a tan on the skin almost never appears.
• People who have experienced severe sunburns in their youth or childhood (before blisters).

Often, malignant melanoma occurs in the area of a mole (although it can affect any other area of the skin). Malignant degeneration of the mole can be observed visually:

• A healthy birthmark is symmetrical, and already malignant has a diffuse asymmetric shape.
• The boundaries of the pathologically altered birthmark lose their clarity.
• Edges are bold.
• Birthmark acquires a color heterogeneity, there are inclusions.
• Large size (more than 2.5 cm).
• Transformation of the superficial structure of the mole.
• There may be discomfort in the pathological area, scabies, painful sensations.
• Especially dangerous are wetting and bleeding birthmarks.

Malignancy of the cervical epithelium

Endometrium of the cervix is the most frequent area of localization of malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive system. Malignancy of the cervix epithelium occurs by converting elements of multilayered planar epithelium, or cells of glandular epithelial tissue lining the cavity of the cervical canal.

Usually the process of malignant epithelium of the cervix is preceded by other diseases of the pelvic organs:

• Cervicitis. Inflammation of the mucous cervix, caused, often, by E. Coli, streptococci, staphylococcus and others.
• Polyps and cysts in the uterus.
• Endometriosis. Tumor growth of the endometrioid tissue, which is similar in structure and function to the endometrial mucosa of the uterus.
• Leukoplakia. The disease, affecting the mucous membrane, causes a cornification of the integumentary epithelium of various severity.
• Cervical erosion.

All these diseases, under the prevailing conditions, are capable of maligning, re-emerging into cervical cancer.

Diagnosis of malignancy

The methods for recognizing malignancy in various organs of man are somewhat different, but there are still some established methods with which help malignancy is diagnosed.

• Visual inspection of a specialist.
• Research of anamnesis of the patient.
• Biopsy is the study of biological material on cancer cells.
• General analysis of blood, feces and urine.
• Examination of feces for occult blood.
• Bacteriological study, which allows to determine the quantitative level: aminotransferases, protein, glucose, bilirubin, chlorides, urea, potassium, sodium, iron.
• Electrocardiogram.
• Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (FEGDS) - examination of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum with the help of a gastroscopy, directed to examine the mucous tissue.
• Smear from the surface. It is sent for cytology to identify altered cells.
• Epiluminescent microscopy. This method is used for suspected skin cancer. The taken part of the epithelium is examined under a special microscope, trying to identify the symptoms of degeneration.
• Computer diagnostics. The study is carried out using a special camera and computer. The resulting image is processed, obtaining a sufficiently informative material. Because of the high cost of research, this technique is used much less often than we would like.
• Fibrogastroscopy.
• X-ray organ. In case of suspicion of cancerous degeneration of stomach cells, a contrast radiographic examination is performed.
• Laparoscopy. It gives an opportunity to make an examination of the gastrointestinal tract from the peritoneum. Other diseases that "skillfully masquerade" under malignant ulcers are also emerging.
• Ultrasonography.
• Hysteroscopy. The most informative method for diagnosing pelvic organs.

[15], [16], [17], [18],

Suspicion of malignancy

Diagnostic criteria that give rise to suspicion of malignancy with different locations are somewhat different:

• When nevus (moles) or papillomas degenerate, one observes:
  • Smoothing and blurring until the recent clear boundaries of education.
  • The appearance of a seal in the base of the nevus.
  • Change in the color of the growth, the appearance of inclusions of another shade.
  • Appearance of watery or bloody discharge.
  • The appearance of discomfort in the place of rebirth.
  • Itching and burning sensation.
• Suspicion for malignant stomach ulcers:
  • There are constant pain in the epigastric region.
  • Pain gives in the back, especially intense in the night.
  • When palpation pain ceases to be local.
  • Attacks of epigastric pain are becoming more common.
  • There is a rapid weight loss.
  • Appetite disappears.
  • It begins to feel fatigue and rapidly growing weakness.
  • There are signs of anemia.
• At a roentgenoscopy all signs of malignant degeneration are looked through:
  • around ulcers are observed infiltrates, having a diameter larger than the most ulcerous crater.
  • The mucosal relief in the "niche" area is different from the norm.
  • The ulcer crater has an inlet exceeding the norm.
  • there is a defect in filling.
  • In the affected segment ceases to observe peristalsis, gastric folds disappear.
• Ulcers have an irregular shape, an indistinct edge.
• A grayish coating can be observed on the wound.
• Clear infiltration and changes in the shape of the wall are observed.
• Increased bleeding in places of pathology.
• The mucous membrane in places adjacent to ulcers is affected by erosion.
• Suspicion of malignant epithelium of the endometrium:
  • Malfunction of the menstrual cycle (irregular, acyclic bleeding).
  • Abundant prolonged menstruation.
  • Bloody discharge in the intermenstrual period.
  • There may appear purulent discharge.
  • When palpating, pain gives in the region of the waist.
• Thyroid:
  • Pain in the gland.
  • Growth of the thyroid gland.
  • Failures in the work of the heart.
  • Deviation of the patient's weight from the norm both in one and the other direction.
  • Arterial hypertension.
  • Inflammation of the lymph nodes of the cervical localization.
  • Sleep disturbance.
  • The state of the constant alarm.

Treatment of malignancy

Unambiguously describe the treatment of malignancy is problematic in connection with the broad morphology and "geography" of the lesion. After all, a person can live with moles and papillomas for many years without feeling uncomfortable. In this case, no treatment is required, but if there is a suspicion or diagnosis of malignant formation, it must be removed. There are many such modern methods. One of the most effective methods is the removal of neoplasms by burning them (laser therapy, cryodestruction, electrocoagulation and others).

Magical neoplasms are uniquely to be removed. Treatment of malignancy is the treatment of the organ directly, whose cells have become malignant. The methods for removing neoplasms are different and are applied depending on their greater effectiveness in one or another case.

• Surgery. The strip operation, which involves the excision of polyps, outgrowths, and, if necessary, resection of the affected part of the organ (straight or large intestine - gastrectomy, followed by plasty). After the operation, the removed tissues are necessarily sent for histology. In case of detection of cancer cells, the patient is prescribed anticancer therapy.
• Radiation therapy. Destruction of cancer cells by exposing them to a variety of species, ionizing radiation of various energies.
• Chemotherapy. The use of medicines (cytostatics), inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and toxic effects on already formed tumor formations.
• Radiosurgery. Innovative technique for influencing malignant neoplasms, combining the surgical and radiological methods of exposure. Radiosurgery can effectively destroy malignant neoplasms and gently treat healthy cells.

For example, the protocol of treatment in case of malignancy of stomach ulcer is identical to the course of treatment of stomach cancer. Even in the absence of a unique symptomatology of malignancy of ulcerative structures in cancer, surgical intervention is still shown. In this case, oncologists use a simple medical postulate: the deeper and broader the lesion, the greater the age of the patient, the lower the acidity level of the gastric juice, the less time to effective surgical intervention.

Prevention of malignancy

In order to avoid or at least diagnose pathology in the early stages of development, prevention of malignancy is necessary.

• Active healthy lifestyle.
• Refusal from smoking, drugs and alcohol.
• A balanced diet, including vegetables and fruits, rich in vitamins and trace elements. Fish, lean meat and dairy products.
• It is necessary to exclude semi-finished products, fast food products, products that include preservatives, carcinogens, stabilizers, artificial colors, genetically modified foods.
• To introduce a habit of periodic passage of preventive examinations with specialists.
• Restrict a visit to the solarium, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Avoid contact with corrosive chemicals.
• Accurately, according to the instructions, use household chemical products.
• More attentive to the use of medication.
• If possible, minimize exposure to large doses of hard exposure.
• More positive emotions, fresh air and communication with family and friends.
• Timely treatment of diseases.
• Maintain a normal sex life, preferably with one partner.
• Avoid stressful situations.

Adhering to these simple rules, it is possible, if not to prevent malignancy of healthy or benign cells, then at least to diagnose it at an early stage of degeneration.

Prediction of malignancy

The use of modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases makes the prognosis of malignancy more favorable. Important for its evaluation is the localization of pathology, the degree of malignancy, the time factor of its detection. Not the last place in the forecast for the future takes the patient's age, as well as his general state of health.

After the timely removal of the degenerated papilloma or nevus, a person can live happily and happily to a very old age. In the case of malignancy of stomach ulcers, the prognosis is no less optimistic here, but the quality of life suffers. In this case, do not forget that if you do not conduct timely diagnosis and treatment, the result is one - a lethal outcome.

Only an attentive attitude to their health and the health of close people will allow us to turn the outlook on life to bright future prospects. After all, malignancy is not a verdict. This is a signal to action, a signal to fight the patient and his doctor for the health and life of the first. So fight and do not give up. After all, we have only one life!