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Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. It can develop almost anywhere in the body.

How cancer begins

Cells are the basic units that make up the human body. Cells grow and divide to make new cells as the body needs them. Usually, cells die when they get too old or damaged. Then, new cells take their place. Cancer begins when genetic changes interfere with this orderly process. Cells start to grow uncontrollably. These cells may form a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread. Some types of cancer do not form a tumor. These include leukemias, most types of lymphoma, and myeloma.

Types of cancer

Doctors divide cancer into types based on where it begins. Four main types of cancer are: There are many other types of cancer. Learn more about these other types of cancer.

How cancer spreads

As a cancerous tumor grows, the bloodstream or lymphatic system may carry cancer cells to other parts of the body. During this process, the cancer cells grow and may develop into new tumors. This is known as metastasis. One of the first places a cancer often spreads is to the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are tiny, bean-shaped organs that help fight infection. They are located in clusters in different parts of the body, such as the neck, groin area, and under the arms. Cancer may also spread through the bloodstream to distant parts of the body. These parts may include the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. Even if the cancer spreads, it is still named for the area where it began. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it is called metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer. Watch a brief video about how cancer begins and spreads to other parts of the body.

Video used with permission from BioDigital Systems. Read a full-text transcript.

Diagnosing cancer

Often, a diagnosis begins when a person visits a doctor about an unusual symptom. The doctor will talk with the person about his or her medical history and symptoms. Then the doctor will do various tests to find out the cause of these symptoms. But many people with cancer have no symptoms. For these people, cancer is diagnosed during a medical test for another issue or condition. Sometimes a doctor finds cancer after a screening test in an otherwise healthy person. Examples of screening tests include colonoscopy, mammography, and a Pap test. A person may need more tests to confirm or disprove the result of the screening test. For most cancers, a biopsy is the only way to make a definite diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for further study. Learn more about making a diagnosis after a biopsy.

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What is an early symptom of Hodgkin's disease?

The best way to find HL early is to be on the lookout for possible symptoms. The most common symptom is enlargement or swelling of one or more lymph nodes, causing a lump or bump under the skin which usually doesn't hurt. It's most often on the side of the neck, in the armpit, or in the groin.

cancer.org - Early Signs of Hodgkin Lymphoma - American Cancer Society

Can Hodgkin Lymphoma Be Found Early?

Screening tests or exams are used to look for disease in people who have no symptoms. At this time, there are no widely recommended screening tests for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This is because no screening test has been shown to lower the risk of dying from this cancer. Still, in some cases HL can be found early. The best way to find HL early is to be on the lookout for possible symptoms. The most common symptom is enlargement or swelling of one or more lymph nodes, causing a lump or bump under the skin which usually doesn't hurt. It's most often on the side of the neck, in the armpit, or in the groin. More often this is caused by something like an infection, not HL, but it’s important to have such lumps checked by a doctor. Careful, regular medical check-ups may be helpful for people with known risk factors for HL, such as a strong family history. These people do not often get HL, but they (and their doctors) should know about any possible symptoms and signs they might have.

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