Cancer is a dreaded disease, impacting millions globally. It’s complex, with many factors leading to its formation. This often creates misconceptions. A common one is: Can cancer spread through saliva? This blog tries to clarify this doubt by delving into cancer’s nature, its spread, and immunotherapy’s role in treating cancer. It specifically discusses Denvax India, a leading immunotherapy center for cancer treatment in India. To understand cancer’s spread, we first need to know what cancer is. It’s when cells in our bodies start growing out of control. This rampant growth can create tumors that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can spread into nearby tissue and move to other body parts through blood and lymph systems.
Types of Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer can affect almost any part of the body, and there are many types, each with its own symptoms and causes. Below is an extensive exploration of some of the most common types of cancer, their symptoms, and their causes.
Lung Cancer
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is more aggressive and accounts for about 15% of cases.
Breast Cancer
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type, where cancer cells spread outside the ducts.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands.
Prostate Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma: is the most common type, starting in the gland cells of the prostate.
- Small Cell Carcinoma: A rare and aggressive form.
Colorectal Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma: is the most common type, starting in the cells that produce mucus.
- Carcinoid Tumors: Start in hormone-producing cells.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Start in specialized cells in the wall of the colon.
Skin Cancer
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type, usually on sun-exposed areas.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Also common, tends to grow faster than BCC.
- Melanoma: The most dangerous form, can spread rapidly to other organs.
Pancreatic Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, starting in the exocrine cells.
- Neuroendocrine Tumors: Start in hormone-producing cells.
Liver Cancer
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The most common type starts in hepatocytes.
- Cholangiocarcinoma: Starts in the bile ducts.
Leukemia
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): More common in children.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): More common in adults.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Affects mainly older adults.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Affects mainly older adults.
Lymphoma
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A diverse group of blood cancers that include any type of lymphoma except Hodgkin’s.
Bladder Cancer
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC), The most common type, starts in the cells lining the bladder.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Less common, often linked to chronic irritation.
- Adenocarcinoma: rare; starts in glandular cells.
Kidney Cancer
- Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), The most common type, starts in the lining of the kidney tubules.
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) Starts in the renal pelvis.
Ovarian Cancer
- Epithelial Tumors: The most common type, starts in the outer surface of the ovary.
- Germ Cell Tumors: Rare, starts in egg-producing cells.
- Stromal Tumors: Start in the connective tissue cells.
Thyroid Cancer
- Papillary Thyroid Cancer: The most common type tends to grow slowly.
- Follicular Thyroid Cancer: Includes Hurtled Cell Carcinoma.
- Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Develops from C cells.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare and aggressive type.
Esophageal Cancer
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Starts in the squamous cells lining the esophagus.
- Adenocarcinoma: Starts in glandular cells, typically in the lower esophagus.
Cervical Cancer
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The most common type starts in the squamous cells lining the cervix.
- Adenocarcinoma: Starts in glandular cells of the cervix.
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, starts in the glandular cells of the stomach lining.
- Lymphoma: Starts in the immune system cells in the stomach wall.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Rare tumors starting in the interstitial cells of Cajal.
The Nature of Cancer Transmission
Cancer, a Serious Matter, Doesn’t Spread Like a Cold through Saliva. Cancer’s a tricky business. Unlike a cold, you can’t catch it from another person, not even through spit sharing. But keep in mind:
- Cancer Cells Are Not Infectious: Cancer cells can’t live without a human host. They cannot be passed around through body fluids, including saliva.
- Genetic Factors: Certain types of cancer seem to stay within families, thanks to broken genes. But this doesn’t mean you “catch” cancer, instead you inherit a higher chance of getting it.
- Environmental Factors: Ever heard of cancer-causing stuff like smoke, certain chemicals and radiation? Getting exposed to these increases the risk of cancer. But no, it’s not “catching” cancer from someone else.
Viral Infections and Cancer Risk
While cancer itself cannot be transmitted through saliva. But let’s be clear, catching a virus linked to cancer doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get cancer. Some examples are:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV, the villain behind some cervical and throat cancers, can spread through close contact, even saliva sometimes.
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): This nasty bug is linked to several cancers, including ones that affect the throat and lymph nodes. Like HPV, it can spread through spit, commonly through kissing. But, remember it’s not as simple as catching a virus and getting cancer. Many factors are at play here, including your body’s immune system and your genetic make-up.
The Role of Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Immunotherapy is a new way to beat cancer. It’s a way of getting the body’s immune system on the job of fighting cancer cells. This is different from older treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Those can harm good cells and bad cells. Immunotherapy goes after the bad cells and leaves the good ones alone. There are a few ways to do this. For example, you might get given lab-made particles that stick to cancer cells. You could get drugs that help your immune system find and attack cancer cells. There’s even a vaccine that gives your immune system a push. This kind of treatment might boost your immune system. Or maybe your T cells will be altered in the lab to do better in their fight against cancer cells.
Immunotherapy at Denvax India
Denvax India is a top place for immunotherapy. We focus on giving each patient the treatment that’s right for us. We have cutting-edge technology. Each patient gets a plan that works for their type of cancer. The staff is experienced and dedicated. We look after the whole person and not just the disease.
Also Read: What’s new in cancer immunotherapy?
Myths and Misconceptions About Cancer Transmission
Some people think cancer can be caught in the same way as a cold. That’s not true. Cancer isn’t catching. You can’t get it through everyday contact or by sharing food. Cancer can’t be passed on through saliva. Nor can it spread via personal items. But you can get a virus from saliva that might lead to cancer. That’s different. Cancer can’t be passed on from a mother to her baby. But the baby might inherit a gene that increases their risk. It’s important to know that cancer can’t be transmitted through saliva or body fluids. But some viruses linked to certain cancers can be. Knowing the difference helps knock down myths about cancer. What you can do to lower your risk is get vaccinated. Regular check-ups and healthy choices in living can make a big difference, too. Education is the key. The more you know, the better.
Conclusion
So, cancer cannot be transmitted through saliva or any other bodily fluid. Immunotherapy gives us real hope in fighting cancer. It’s less of a burden on patients. That’s one of the things that makes Denvax India special. Get to know the facts about cancer. Don’t be fooled by myths. Be supportive of those touched by cancer. If you need info or treatment choices, check out Denvax India. We tailor our care for each patient’s needs.