Untreated cancer refers to a diagnosis where no medical interventions are pursued. Without therapeutic efforts, the disease progresses naturally, leading to increasing health complications over time.
Local Cancer Growth
An untreated primary tumor continues to grow in its original location, expanding in size. This enlargement can lead to the tumor physically pushing against or growing into surrounding healthy tissues and organs. Cancer cells also produce enzymes that can break down the normal cellular structures around them, facilitating their destructive spread within the immediate area.
This local invasion can cause significant damage, leading to various complications depending on the tumor’s site. For instance, a growing tumor might obstruct vital passages, such as the intestines or airways, or it could press on nerves, resulting in localized pain. Additionally, the tumor’s expansion can erode blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding.
Cancer Spreading to Other Body Parts
Cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and travel to distant parts of the body through a process called metastasis. These detached cells can enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. Once in these systems, the cancer cells can circulate throughout the body, eventually settling and forming new tumors in remote locations.
Common sites where cancer frequently spreads include the lungs, liver, bones, and brain. The lymphatic system is often an initial pathway for spread, with cancer cells frequently traveling to nearby lymph nodes. Despite spreading to new areas, the metastatic tumors are still identified by the original site of the cancer; for example, breast cancer that spreads to the liver is still considered metastatic breast cancer, not liver cancer.
Effects on the Body
Untreated cancer impacts the body, leading to widespread consequences. Patients commonly experience unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue, which are general signs of advanced disease. Pain can become generalized or originate specifically from metastatic sites, such as bone pain from tumors that have spread to the skeleton.
As cancer progresses and spreads, it can impair the function of various organs. For example, tumors in the lungs can cause shortness of breath, while liver metastases may lead to jaundice or abdominal swelling. Brain metastases can result in neurological issues like headaches, dizziness, or seizures. The disease can also lead to paraneoplastic syndromes, where the immune system reacts to the cancer by attacking healthy cells, causing a range of symptoms that are not directly caused by the tumor’s physical presence.
Expected Outcomes Without Treatment
Leaving cancer untreated leads to continuous disease progression. Tumors grow larger, and cancer cells continue to spread to other parts of the body. This unchecked growth and spread result in increased suffering and a decline in overall health.
Ultimately, untreated cancer is associated with a shortened life expectancy and is nearly always fatal. The specific timeline for this outcome can vary considerably, depending on the type of cancer, its aggressiveness, and the stage at which it was initially diagnosed. While some very slow-growing cancers allow for a longer period, the general trajectory without intervention is towards severe illness and eventual death.