Cancerous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cancerous
[ˈkænsərəs ]
Definition
medical term
Cancerous refers to cells or tissues that have the characteristics of cancer. This means they have the ability to grow uncontrollably and can invade or damage surrounding tissues. Such cells can lead to tumors, which may be malignant or benign, but are generally considered harmful due to their potential to spread.
Synonyms
malignant, neoplastic, tumorous.
Examples of usage
- The biopsy results showed cancerous cells.
- She was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her lung.
- Cancerous growths can metastasize to other parts of the body.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Cancerous cells grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues, which is why early detection is essential.
- There are over 100 different types of cancer, each affecting various parts of the body and exhibiting unique characteristics.
Psychology
- Being diagnosed as cancerous can lead to significant psychological stress, often including fear, anxiety, and depression among patients.
- Support groups have shown to be beneficial for emotional health, allowing patients to share experiences and cope with their diagnosis.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'A Walk to Remember' portray characters dealing with cancerous illnesses, highlighting personal struggles and the impact on loved ones.
- The Pink Ribbon movement, closely associated with breast cancer awareness, has become a powerful symbol in fighting cancerous diseases.
Literature
- Cancer has inspired numerous literary works, leading authors to reflect on themes of mortality, resilience, and the human experience.
- Books such as 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi explore personal narratives of facing cancer, emphasizing the philosophical aspects of life and death.
Origin of 'cancerous'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'cancer,' meaning 'crab,' and was used by Hippocrates due to the appearance of tumors resembling a crab.
- In ancient Rome, doctors used the term 'cancer' to describe certain growths, which highlights the long history of the disease in medical literature.
The word 'cancerous' is derived from the Latin term 'cancer', which means 'crab'. This terminology was used because of the way certain tumors spread, resembling the limbs of a crab. The term has its roots in ancient Greek as well, where 'karkinos' referred to a crab or a tumor. The concept of cancer as a disease has existed for millennia, with the earliest known descriptions by Hippocrates in the 5th century BCE. Over the centuries, the understanding of cancer has evolved significantly, but the term 'cancer' has remained constant in describing malignant tumors. Today, 'cancerous' is a widely recognized term to describe cells that are malignant and exhibit uncontrolled growth.