The difference being that Cancer is caused by mature cells whereas Histio is caused by immature cells.. and that's where the difference stops! And if you test positive for the Braf gene mutation (which they are testing Dylan for) then it does actually get classed as Cancer anyway. Some say it's also because the lessions are benign but that is neither here nor there, especially as sometimes they aren't even removable such as tumours would be!
In fact in some countries (the UK included) Histiocytosis is now being classified as a rare type of Cancer and falls under the care of Cancer Research, Macmillan and Clic Sargent.
Histiocytosis causes organ problems, tumours, skin problems, bone problems, lessions and many, many other problems.. a lot of these are long term issues and do not go away with chemotherapy. Histio can wreck the body leaving it's damage long after the disease is treated, many patients go on to have organ transplants, it can effect brain development and cause a serious form of diabetes. There is always the chance of it coming back and attacking other parts of the body like with Cancer. There is no cure and very little information or funding because it is so rare..
So tell me again why "at least it's not Cancer"?
It is, it's just rare!! Besides, one is not worse than the other, it is not a comparison! Why do we need to compare our heartache over these awful diseases! Whilst some can be cured and some can be treated the effects they have are long term, distressing and often devastating on patients, families and friends so let's stop comparing our illnesses and just support each other?
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