How did the disease cancer get its name
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Summary
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These studies suggest cancer got its name from the Greek word "karkinos" or "karkinomas," used in ancient medical writings.
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The Origin of the Term "Cancer"
Ancient Greek Classification of Cancer
The term "cancer" has its roots in ancient Greek medical practice. The Greeks were among the first to classify and name the disease, referring to it as "karkinos" or "karkinomas" as early as the sixth century BC. This terminology was used to describe non-inflammatory, hard swellings and ulcers of the skin, female breast, and genitalia, which had a tendency to generalize, recur, and often result in fatal outcomes .
Latin Derivation and Early English Usage
The word "cancer" is derived from the Latin word for crab. This term was adopted into Old English through the influence of Greek and Latin medical treatises. The Old English version of the legend of St. Veronica, for instance, uses the phrase "þæt adl þe we hataþ cancer," which translates to "the disease that we call cancer." This indicates that the term was already in use in pre-Conquest England, suggesting a deep-rooted familiarity with the disease and its terminology among Anglo-Saxon physicians.
Early Modern Perceptions and Definitions
In the early modern period, the understanding and terminology of cancer were complex and varied. Nathan Bailey's Universal Etymological English Dictionary, published in 1721, reflects this complexity. Bailey's definitions of cancer fluctuated between its prognosis, origins, and stages, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing between "real" and false cancers. This period saw a multitude of terms and definitions for cancer, reflecting the diverse medical opinions and practices of the time.
Historical Evidence and Medical Evolution
Historical evidence of cancer dates back to ancient civilizations. Paleopathological findings have identified cancer in Egyptian skulls from as early as 3400 BC and in pre-Columbian Peruvian remains. Ancient medical texts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and Persia describe treatments for cancerous swellings and ulcers, often involving excision or caustic salves, similar to some modern methods.
Conclusion
The term "cancer" has a rich historical lineage, originating from ancient Greek and Latin medical terminology. Its usage has evolved over millennia, influenced by various cultures and medical practices. Despite the complexities and variations in its early definitions, the term has consistently been used to describe a malignant disease characterized by hard swellings and ulcers, reflecting a long-standing recognition of its severe and often fatal nature.
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