Cancer encompasses a class of cellular diseases in which cells begin growing uncontrollably, while damaging surrounding tissues. Cancer can also spread to other parts of the body (metastasis) through blood or lymph circulation – effectively shutting down bodily functions. This process is known as a malignancy and is different from benign tumors which are self-limiting and will not spread, invade tissues or metastasize.
Although cancer will most often present itself in the form of a tumor, other cancers, such as leukemia, do not. Oncology is the branch of medicine associated with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Cancer can affect a person at any age but the risk factors will increase as a person ages. About 7.6 million patients died of cancer in 2007, which is about 13% percent of all deaths.
Cancer is caused by an abnormality in the affected cell’s genetic material and can be related to carcinogenic materials found in tobacco, radioactive material, certain chemicals and infectious materials. However, random genetic abnormalities can also cause cancer – such as DNA replication errors or inheritance factors. In these cases, the cancer-causing cells may even be present from the time of birth.
Studies related to cancer patients indicate that the majority of cancer patients experience cancer-related pain of varying degrees at some point of the illness and subsequent treatment. It has also been noted that cancer-related pain levels can impair functionality and quality of life. These findings are reflected in studies throughout developed countries where patients are able to receive tertiary cancer medical care. Increased levels of pain are likely, as the disease progresses and pain medications, such as morphine, may be prescribed to manage those pain levels.
Morphine is commonly used since it will not accelerate the cancer process while alleviating the cancer-associated pain. Morphine is a member of a class of medications known as opioids which are usually referred to as “narcotics”. Their primary function is to alter the way that the brain perceives pain. There can be some effects of morphine use that may include dependence and interference of perception and judgment. Even with those side effects, morphine is highly effective in improving the quality of life for many cancer patients.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.
If you need to know more about the ramifications of end care cancer, you can visit the website of Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.