🧬 DNA Testing for Identifying Dead Bodies: How It Works and Why It Matters By HealthRaise | Science Behind the Scenes In tragic incidents like plane crashes or natural disasters, identifying the deceased becomes a crucial step for both legal and emotional closure. When the body is unrecognizable due to severe trauma or decomposition, traditional methods like visual recognition or fingerprinting often fail. In such situations, DNA testing becomes the most reliable and scientific tool for identification. This is exactly what we are witnessing in the recent Air India Ahmedabad case , where authorities are using DNA tests to identify the remains of victims and match them with their relatives. 🧬 What is DNA Testing? DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the unique genetic code found in every cell of the human body. Except for identical twins, no two individuals share the same DNA. That’s why DNA testing is considered the gold standard in forensic identification. 🔬 How is DNA Test...
Cancer is a broad term for a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Here are some key points:
What is Cancer?
Definition:
Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin to grow uncontrollably and spread to
other parts of the body. These cells can form tumours, which can be benign
(non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Causes:
Cancer can be caused by genetic mutations, environmental factors (such as
smoking, radiation, and chemicals), lifestyle factors (such as diet and
physical activity), and infections.
Types of Cancer
Carcinomas:
Cancers that start in the skin or the tissues that line internal organs.
Sarcomas:
Cancers that begin in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or other connective
tissues.
Leukaemia:
Cancers of the blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow.
Lymphomas
and Myelomas: Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
Central
Nervous System Cancers: Cancers that begin in the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms
Symptoms
vary depending on the type and location of the cancer but can include lumps,
unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, and changes in skin or bowel habits.
Diagnosis
Imaging
Tests: Such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
Biopsies:
Taking a sample of tissue for examination.
Blood
Tests: To look for cancer markers.
Treatment
Options
Surgery:
Removing the tumor.
Chemotherapy:
Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
Radiation
Therapy: Using high-energy radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells.
Immunotherapy:
Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Targeted
Therapy: Using drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth
and spread.
Prevention
Lifestyle
Changes: Such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising
regularly.
Screening:
Regular screenings for certain types of cancer can help detect the disease
early when it is most treatable.
Benign Tumours
Definition:
Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths of cells that do not invade nearby
tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
Types:
Common types include adenomas (glandular tissue), lipomas (fat cells), fibromas
(fibrous tissue), and haemangiomas (blood vessels).
Malignant Tumours
Definition:
Malignant tumours are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread to
other parts of the body.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests, biopsies, and staging to determine
the extent of spread.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
How
Chemotherapy Works
Mechanism:
Chemotherapy drugs target and kill rapidly dividing cells, which is a
characteristic of cancer cells12.
Administration:
It can be given orally, intravenously, or through other methods depending on
the type and stage of cancer1.
Types of
Chemotherapy Drugs
Alkylating
Agents: Damage the DNA of cancer cells to prevent them from multiplying.
Antimetabolites:
Interfere with DNA and RNA growth by substituting the normal building blocks of
RNA and DNA.
Topoisomerase
Inhibitors: Prevent cancer cells from dividing by interfering with enzymes
called topoisomerases2.
Mitotic
Inhibitors: Stop cancer cells from dividing by inhibiting mitosis2.
Antitumor
Antibiotics: Different from antibiotics used to treat infections, these drugs
interfere with DNA replication2.
Side
Effects
Common Side
Effects: Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and increased risk of
infection12.
Managing
Side Effects: Doctors can prescribe medications to help manage side effects,
and supportive care is often provided1.
Uses of
Chemotherapy
Comments
Post a Comment
If you have any doubts, please let me know