Malignization

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

This phenomenon is based on a failure in the process of implementing a genetically determined program for the formation of a specialized cell phenotype, as well as the activation of tissue growth in the body through cell division.

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Causes of malignancy

Despite persistent, long-term research, there is currently no medicine that can defeat cancer. And a large part of the lack of a solution is due to the unknown causes of healthy cells disintegrating and dedifferentiating.

What are the supposed causes of malignancy? Today, there are many different hypotheses, but none of them have yet been confirmed. It is only clear that a certain combination of unfavorable factors occurs, which triggers the process of degeneration.

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

• Internal provoking causes:
  • Chronic inflammatory diseases.
  • Decreased immune defense of the body.
  • Disruption of the endocrine system.
  • Viral and fungal diseases.
  • Long-term stressful situations.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • A severe psychological crisis.
  • Hereditary predisposition.
  • Hormonal imbalance.
• External provoking causes:
  • A dose of hard X-ray radiation that exceeds the norm.
  • Environmental pollution.
  • Insolation.
  • Long-term exposure to chemically active substances on the human body.
  • Unhealthy diet: consumption of carcinogens, dyes, stabilizers, genetically modified foods and much more.

Naturally, this is not a complete list of the possible reasons why malignant cells are observed, leading to such terrible consequences.

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Malignancy of cells

Malignization of cells is an autonomously progressing process of the appearance of cancerous neoplasms in the human body, by degeneration of healthy cells in them, or already pathologically changed cells, but of a benign nature. The entire structure of the degenerating cell undergoes restructuring, it begins to actively grow. At the initial stage, the patient does not experience discomfort, not even guessing about his disease. At this stage, the diagnosis of pathology is also difficult.

In most cases, structures burdened with erosions, ulcerative lesions, as well as polyps and tumors of benign genesis are subject to malignancy. The process of malignant degeneration of cells is unregulated and irreversible, creating new foci of damage (metastases), which contributes to the rapid growth of the percentage of fatal outcomes.

The cause of such a failure can be either genetic or related to external and internal factors. Stopping the early stages of the disease makes the further life prognosis quite favorable.

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Signs of malignancy

In many ways, the symptoms of the disease depend on the location of the pathology. Cancer cells that affect a certain organ give symptoms of damage to this place. But there are signs of malignancy that are akin to each pathology:

• A disruption in the execution of a genetically determined program that is responsible for the emergence and development of cells of different phenotypes, endowed with different functional loads.
• Activation of cell dividing abilities.
• A change in the structure of a cell that results in disruptions in its functioning.
• A pronounced tendency of a cell to constantly divide.
• Metastasis.
• Antagonistic properties of cancer cells.
• Cell polymorphism.

Malignancy of the polyp

Polyps are benign neoplasms that have degenerated from the epithelial cells of the body. Under certain conditions, polyps can form in any organ that has a cavity covered with mucous membrane. This includes the nasal cavity, anus, oral cavity, bronchi and gastrointestinal tract, uterus, gall bladder and urinary bladder, etc. This is confirmed by the "wide geography" of the clinic.

Polyps are found as single or fairly large conglomerates (we are talking about papillomatosis). Malignancy of a polyp is a fairly relevant topic, leading polyp cells to the expected transformation - adenocarcinoma. Depending on the location, different levels of malignancy are observed. It varies in a fairly wide range of values.

For example, with single growths diagnosed in the colon, the malignancy of the polyp is two to seven percent. In the case of a cluster of polyps, the process of degeneration occurs much more often and reaches 95%. If papillomatosis is diagnosed, which is a symptom of Turcot syndrome, the level of degeneration is 100%. Based on this, doctors have developed their own treatment tactics, which depend on the type of polyps.

With rare exceptions, polyps of all categories are subject to excision and careful histological examination. Innovative endoscopic equipment makes it possible to carry out this procedure quickly and painlessly, in a polyclinic setting.

In case of extensive damage to the intestine by papillomatosis (polyposis), when the level of degeneration is designated as 100%, doctors prescribe a classic strip operation, which involves resection of part of the affected intestine with subsequent reconstructive plastic surgery.

Monitoring of this disease shows that patients diagnosed with polyps are often diagnosed with colon cancer. This gives grounds to consider a polyp a precancerous neoplasm. For the purpose of cancer prevention, polypectomy is widely used - endoscopic removal of a polyp, because even a small formation is still a tumor, albeit a benign one. After all, it can begin to degenerate into a malignant tumor at any moment. The cellular structure of a polyp differs from normal cells. Oncologists call this difference dysplasia. Over time, the degree of dysplasia increases, turning into cancer - this process is called malignant degeneration of a polyp. Therefore, this pathology must be removed.

Malignancy of gastric ulcer

There are frequent cases (from 3 to 15%) of ulcerative pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract degenerating into cancerous tumors - this process is called malignization of gastric ulcer. To date, the causes catalyzing the development of cancer are not fully known, but multiple studies with a high degree of probability allow us to state improper nutrition, poor in vegetables and fruits, consumption of large amounts of fried, smoked food, as well as hereditary predisposition.

The symptoms of malignant transformation of a stomach ulcer are as follows:

• Decreased overall vitality.
• Change in taste preferences, ignoring meat dishes.
• Loss of appetite.
• Pain in the stomach becomes more intense and constant, and stops responding to usual medications. The dependence of pain on food intake is no longer visible, as is the case with ulcerative manifestations of the disease.
• Other symptoms associated with the stomach are also added:
  • Nausea that almost never goes away.
  • Periodic attacks of vomiting.
  • Belching with a foul odor.
  • Heaviness in the stomach area.
• General exhaustion of the patient's body is observed.
• The skin becomes pale.

Malignant degeneration of this organ is diagnosed using the same methods as in the case of stomach ulcers.

Malignancy of adenoma

Adenomas are initially classified as real tumors. According to statistics, they are diagnosed 16 times less often than, for example, hyperplasiogenic polyps or foveolar hyperplasia. But malignancy of adenomas, depending on the location of its localization, occurs in a wide percentage range - from 6 to 75%. For example, in patients suffering from stomach cancer, malignancy of adenomas is observed in 29 - 59 cases out of a hundred. In many ways, 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 stated that endoscopic polypectomy of small polyps can reduce the percentage of malignant adenomas.

Malignancy of nevus

A mole on the face can add charm to its owner, or it can disfigure him. But from a medical point of view, the owner of nevi is a potential candidate for the development of melanoma of the skin, perhaps the most dangerous cancerous neoplasm. The risk of degeneration is greater, the more significant the number of moles on the human body. In many ways, malignant degeneration of a nevus depends on their shape. The risk of degeneration is greater for those neoplasms that have a shape protruding above the surface of the skin.

The catalyst for malignant transformation of a nevus may be:

• Constant friction from shoes and clothing in the area of the mole.
• Single or multiple injuries, abrasions and cuts affecting the nevus.

Two types of nevi are most susceptible to malignancy: congenital and dysplastic. When certain factors coincide, malignancy shows 100% degeneration of cells into malignant tumors, especially for dysplastic nevi.

Nevi larger than 2 cm are more prone to malignancy, the transformation frequency is 5-20%. Neoplasms located on the face are especially dangerous. A person with a significant number of nevi (more than 20 pieces) is at a higher risk of getting melanoma - the risk of degeneration in this case increases threefold.

Since in half of the cases melanoma degenerates from nevi, they are considered precancerous neoplasms. Therefore, oncologists recommend removing all convex nevi on the body, if possible.

Malignancy of papilloma

Today, about 70 types of human papillomavirus are known, among which there are those that have a high predisposition to oncology. When entering the human body, malignancy of the papilloma is provoked. That is, papilloma can also be called a precancerous formation, under certain conditions provoking the development of skin cancer. Although oncogenesis of papilloma occurs quite rarely.

The following symptoms should prompt you to make an appointment with a dermatologist:

• Growth of papilloma, change in its shape.
• Violation of the integrity of its covering layer.
• The appearance of bloody or serous discharge.
• A change in the shade of the formation, especially if small inclusions appear on its background.
• Burning and itching in the area of the papilloma.

Malignancy of papilloma is associated with increased activity of the human papilloma virus. The causes that provoke this activation are hormonal imbalances in the body, chronic inflammatory processes, and suppression of the immune system. Only a doctor can determine the cause of the pathology. After undergoing the necessary examination, signs of cancerous transformations can be identified. Only after this can the oncologist prescribe the necessary treatment. Usually, the doctor recommends urgent removal of both benign and malignant papillomas.

Malignancy of thyroid nodule

The discovery of benign formations on the thyroid gland during examination prompts the doctor to treat such a patient more attentively. From this moment on, he must be under constant medical supervision. After all, such tumors can grow, increasing the pressure on nearby organs, which significantly affects their work. Although insignificant, there is a probability of malignancy of the nodes. Malignancy of the thyroid node is detected in only 5% of patients, while in general, nodes on the thyroid gland are found in 95% of the population. But even such an insignificant percentage of degenerations is enough to keep the patient in the field of vision of oncologists, although the malignancy of the thyroid node is denied by most opponents.

Malignancy of myoma

Myoma is a benign neoplasm that grows on the uterine mucosa and consists of muscle fibers or connective tissues. Myoma also varies quite a lot in size: from a few millimeters to the size of an adult's fist. This pathology is mainly found in the womb, less often on the cervix. Solitary myomas are less common (they "love" the neighborhood of their own kind).

Gynecologists say that the reasons for the development of fibroids in women are:

• Genetic inheritance.
• The risk of pathology also increases in women who have had abortions or diagnostic curettage. Moreover, the risk is higher the more such procedures a woman has undergone.
• Overweight.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine and metabolic systems.
• The risk of disease is high in nulliparous women.
• Menstrual cycle disorders.
• Incorrect or prolonged use of hormonal drugs.
• Stress.
• Smoking.
• Incorrect use of contraceptives.

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

The structure of myoma is heterogeneous and their pathologicality reaches 75%, but only one percent of them undergo malignancy.

Malignancy of uterine fibroids

Uterine myoma is classified as 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 muscular hyperplasia.
• Proliferating myomas. Most of these myomas are fast-growing. Pathological mitoses of these nodes make up no more than 25%.
• Presarcomas. The most dangerous type, which is the last stage of degeneration. Malignancy of uterine myoma is just around the corner. This pathology manifests itself in multiple foci of myogenic cell proliferation, with traces of atypia. But true malignancy occurs in less than 1% of clinical cases.

Malignancy of the endometrial epithelium

Endometrial hypertrophy (thickening) develops due to an increase in the volume of intercellular structures, 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 malignancy of the endometrial epithelium, i.e. its malignancy.

Depending on the woman's age, the severity of her medical history and the rate of development of the disease, malignancy of the endometrial epithelium occurs in 1 to 55 cases out of a hundred.

Endometrial hyperplasia can be caused by:

• Hormonal imbalances (increase in estrogen and decrease in progesterone levels).
• Increase in the volume of intercellular fluid.
• Activation of the cell division process.
• Liver dysfunction.
• Approaching menopause.
• Overweight.
• Hypertension.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Mastopathy.
• Chronic stress.

Malignancy of a mole

Melanoma or skin cancer is the result of malignancy of a benign formation (moles) or malignancy of a mole. The cause of this process is considered to be the rapid uncontrolled growth of melanocytes in human skin structures. Normally, melanocytes produce the pigment melanin, which is responsible for the dark shade of the skin. Under the influence of direct sunlight, the production of this pigment increases, the skin acquires a dark shade (tan). Melanin protects the body from solar radiation. Excess melanin in a certain area of the skin forms a mole.

Cancerous melanoma is the most severe case of skin cancer. If a malignant mole is not removed in a timely manner, the cancerous tumor begins to metastasize very quickly.

The greatest risk of malignancy of a mole:

• Hereditary predisposition.
• In people with light skin, eyes and hair.
• If a person “burns” under direct sunlight, even with a minimal amount of time spent there.
• If a tan almost never appears on the skin.
• In people who suffered severe sunburn (to the point of blisters) in adolescence or childhood.

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

• A healthy mole is symmetrical, while a malignant mole has blurred, asymmetrical shapes.
• The borders of a pathologically altered mole lose clarity.
• The edges are embossed.
• The mole becomes uneven in color and inclusions appear.
• Large size (more than 2.5 cm).
• Transformation of the surface structure of a mole.
• Discomfort in the affected area, itching, and painful sensations may occur.
• Weeping and bleeding moles are especially dangerous.

Malignancy of the cervical epithelium

The endometrium of the cervix is the most common area of localization of malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive system. Malignization of the epithelium of the cervix occurs through the transformation of elements of the multilayered squamous epithelium, or cells of the glandular epithelial tissue lining the cavity of the cervical canal.

Usually, the process of malignancy of the cervical epithelium is preceded by other diseases of the pelvic organs:

• Cervicitis. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix, often caused by E. coli, streptococci, staphylococci and others.
• Polyps and cysts in the uterus.
• Endometriosis. Tumor-like proliferation of endometrioid tissue, which is similar in structure and function to the mucous membrane of the uterus - the endometrium.
• Leukoplakia. A disease affecting the mucous membrane, causing keratinization of the integumentary epithelium of varying severity.
• Cervical erosion.

All these diseases, under certain conditions, can become malignant, degenerating into cervical cancer.

Diagnosis of malignancy

The methods for recognizing malignancy in various human organs are somewhat different, but there are still some established methods by which malignancy is diagnosed.

• Visual inspection by a specialist.
• Study of the patient's anamnesis.
• A biopsy is a study of biological material for cancer cells.
• General analysis of blood, feces and urine.
• Fecal occult blood test.
• Bacteriological examination that allows determining the quantitative level of: aminotransferases, protein, glucose, bilirubin, chlorides, urea, potassium, sodium, iron.
• Electrocardiogram.
• Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (FEGDS) is an examination of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum using a gastroscope, which specifically examines the mucous tissue.
• A smear from the surface. Sent for cytology to identify altered cells.
• Epiluminescent microscopy. This method is used when skin cancer is suspected. The taken section of epithelium is examined under a special microscope, trying to identify the symptoms of degeneration.
• Computer diagnostics. The study is conducted using a special camera and a computer. The resulting image is processed, obtaining quite informative material. Due to the high cost of the study, this method is used much less often than desired.
• Fibrogastroscopy.
• X-ray examination. In case of suspicion of cancerous degeneration of stomach cells, a contrast X-ray examination is performed.
• Laparoscopy. Allows for an examination of the gastrointestinal tract from the peritoneum. Along the way, other diseases are also detected, "skillfully disguised" as malignant ulcers.
• Ultrasound examination.
• Hysteroscopy. The most informative method for diagnosing diseases of the pelvic organs.

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Suspected malignancy

The diagnostic criteria that raise suspicion of malignancy in different locations vary somewhat:

• When a nevus (moles) or papillomas degenerate, the following is observed:
  • Smoothing and blurring of the previously clear boundaries of the formation.
  • The appearance of a lump at the base of the nevus.
  • Change in the color of the neoplasm, appearance of inclusions of a different shade.
  • The appearance of watery or bloody discharge.
  • The appearance of discomfort at the site of rebirth.
  • Itching and burning sensation.
• Suspected malignancy of gastric ulcer:
  • Constant pain appears in the epigastric region.
  • The pain radiates to the back and is especially intense at night.
  • When palpated, the pain ceases to be local.
  • Attacks of pain in the epigastrium become more widespread.
  • Rapid weight loss is observed.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Fatigue and rapidly increasing weakness begin to be felt.
  • Signs of anemia appear.
• X-ray examination reveals all the symptoms of malignant degeneration:
  • Around the ulcers, infiltrates are observed that have a diameter larger than the ulcer crater itself.
  • the relief of the mucous membrane in the “niche” area is different from the norm.
  • The ulcer crater has an entrance that exceeds the norm.
  • a filling defect is observed.
  • in the affected segment, peristalsis ceases to be observed, and gastric folds disappear.
• The ulcers are irregular in shape and have unclear edges.
• A greyish coating may be observed on the wounds.
• Obvious infiltration and changes in the shape of the wall are observed.
• Increased bleeding in areas of pathology.
• The mucous membrane in areas adjacent to the ulcers is affected by erosion.
• Suspected malignancy of the endometrial epithelium:
  • Menstrual cycle disorders (irregular, acyclic bleeding).
  • Heavy, prolonged menstruation.
  • Bloody discharge between menstrual periods.
  • Purulent discharge may appear.
  • When palpated, the pain radiates to the lumbar region.
• Thyroid gland:
  • Pain in the gland area.
  • Increase in thyroid volume.
  • Heart problems.
  • Deviation of the patient's weight from the norm in either direction.
  • Arterial hypertension.
  • Inflammation of the lymph nodes of the neck.
  • Sleep disturbance.
  • A state of constant anxiety.

Treatment of malignancy

It is quite problematic to describe the treatment of malignancy in a clear manner due to the wide morphology and “geography” of the lesion. After all, a person can live with moles and papillomas for many years without feeling any discomfort. In this case, no treatment is required, but if there is a suspicion or malignancy of the formation has been diagnosed, it must be removed. There are quite a few such modern methods. One of the most effective methods is the removal of neoplasms by burning them out (laser therapy, cryodestruction, electrocoagulation, etc.).

Malignant neoplasms are definitely subject to removal. Treatment of malignancy is the treatment of the organ whose cells have begun to become malignant. Methods of removing neoplasms are different and are used depending on their greater effectiveness in a particular case.

• Surgical treatment. Strip surgery, which involves excision of polyps, growths, and, if necessary, resection of the affected area of the organ (rectum or colon - gastrectomy, followed by plastic surgery). After the surgery, the removed tissues are necessarily sent for histology. If cancer cells are detected, the patient is prescribed anticancer therapy.
• Radiation therapy. Destruction of cancer cells by exposing them to various types of ionizing radiation of varying energies.
• Chemotherapy. The use of drugs (cytostatics) that inhibit the growth of cancer cells and have a toxic effect on already formed tumors.
• Radiosurgery. An innovative method of influencing malignant neoplasms, combining surgical and radiation methods of influence. Radiosurgery allows for the effective destruction of malignant neoplasms and is gentle on healthy cells.

For example, the treatment protocol in case of malignant transformation of gastric ulcer is identical to the course of treatment for gastric cancer. Even in the absence of clear symptoms of malignant transformation of ulcer structures into cancer, surgical intervention is still indicated. In this case, oncologists use a simple medical postulate: the deeper and more extensive the lesion, the older the patient, the lower the level of acidity of gastric juice, the less time until effective surgical intervention.

Prevention of malignancy

In order to avoid or at least diagnose pathology at an early stage of development, prevention of malignancy is necessary.

• Active healthy lifestyle.
• Quitting smoking, drugs and alcohol.
• A balanced diet, including vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and microelements. Fish, lean meat and dairy products.
• It is necessary to exclude semi-finished products, fast food, products that contain preservatives, carcinogens, stabilizers, artificial colors, and genetically modified products.
• Make it a habit to undergo regular preventive examinations by specialists.
• Limit visits to solariums and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Avoid contact with aggressive chemicals.
• Use household chemicals carefully, according to the instructions.
• Be more careful when taking medications.
• Minimize exposure to high doses of harsh radiation whenever possible.
• More positive emotions, fresh air and communication with family and friends.
• Timely treatment of emerging diseases.
• Have a normal sex life, preferably with one partner.
• Avoid stressful situations.

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

Prognosis of malignancy

The use of modern methods of diagnostics and treatment of oncological diseases makes the prognosis of malignancy more favorable. The localization of the pathology, the degree of malignancy, the time factor of its detection are important for its assessment. The patient's age and general health condition are not the last in the prognosis for the future.

After timely removal of a degenerated papilloma or nevus, a person can live long and happily to a ripe old age. In the case of malignancy of a stomach ulcer, the prognosis is no less optimistic, but the quality of life suffers. At the same time, do not forget that if you do not carry out timely diagnosis and treatment, the result is one - death.

Only careful attention to your health and the health of your loved ones will allow you to turn your life prognosis to bright future prospects. After all, malignancy is not a death sentence. It is a signal to action, a signal for the patient and his doctor to fight for the health and life of the former. So fight and do not give up. After all, we only have one life!