Common Diseases In Cells

Cells

All living organisms are composed of cells, which serve as the basic structural and functional units of life. New cells are produced through the division of pre-existing cells. Below are examples of common diseases that affect cells:

Cancer

Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic systems. Key types of cancer include:

Carcinoma: Starts in the skin or tissues lining internal organs.

Sarcoma: Develops in connective or supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or blood vessels.

Leukemia: Originates in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow, resulting in an overproduction of abnormal blood cells.

Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma: Begin in immune system cells.

Central Nervous System Cancers: Start in the brain or spinal cord tissues.

These diseases are collectively referred to as malignancies.
(Source: cancer.gov)

Anemia

Anemia involves a reduction in the number or functionality of red blood cells, impairing the body's ability to carry oxygen. Types include:

Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Caused by insufficient iron intake or significant blood loss.

Normocytic Anemia: Results from insufficient red blood cell production due to chronic conditions such as kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer.

Hemolytic Anemia: Occurs when abnormal red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce them.

Fanconi Anemia: An inherited condition where the bone marrow fails to produce red blood cells, often leading to complications like leukemia and growth issues in children.

Pernicious Anemia: B12 deficiency that, if untreated, can cause nerve damage.

Thalassemia: A genetic disorder leading to insufficient production of hemoglobin, affecting oxygen transport in the blood.

Malaria

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, primarily active from dusk to dawn.

Transmission: Infected mosquitoes spread the parasite, which enters the bloodstream, travels to the liver, and multiplies. The parasites then re-enter the bloodstream and invade red blood cells, causing them to burst at regular intervals (every 48-72 hours). This results in cycles of fever, chills, and sweating.

Malaria can rarely be transmitted through blood transfusions or shared needles. However, it is not directly contagious between individuals.
(Source: nhs.uk)

These are just a few examples of cell-related diseases.

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