Cancer is not one disease, but a general term covering many distinct diseases. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells. Under normal conditions, cell reproduction is carefully controlled by the body. However, these controls can malfunction, resulting in abnormal cell growth and the development of a lump, mass, or tumor. Some cancers involving the blood and blood-forming organs do not form tumors but circulate through other tissues where they grow. Each type of cancer has patterns that may differ from other types of cancer. And the same disease can often affect one person differently from another.
Because there are so many variables, different types of treatments are required for each patient and no single treatment is right for everyone. That is why Texas Oncology medical teams customize treatment plans to meet each patient's specific condition and requirements.