Common Cancer Types
This section provides clear and easy-to-understand information about the most common types of cancer. You’ll find simple explanations about symptoms, risk factors, and how these cancers are usually diagnosed. Our goal is to help patients and families better understand these conditions and feel more informed throughout their care journey.
What is Leukemia?
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow where the body produces abnormal white blood cells, disrupting normal cell production and weakening the immune system.
What is Lymphoma?
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system, where abnormal lymphocytes grow uncontrollably, forming tumors in lymph nodes or other tissues, affecting the body’s ability to fight infections.
What is Lung Cancer?
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer starts in the lungs and occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that interfere with breathing and can spread to other parts of the body.
What is Multiple Myeloma?
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to weakened bones, low blood counts, and kidney problems as abnormal cells multiply excessively.
Other Cancer Types & Subtypes
In this section, you can explore information about less common cancers and their subtypes. Each cancer type is explained in a straightforward way, including what it is, how it develops, and how it may be treated. This resource is designed to support patients by offering clear guidance and helping them feel more confident as they learn about different cancer conditions.
What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects immature lymphocytes.
What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia?
Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood causing rapid growth of abnormal myeloid cells.
What is Adrenocortical Carcinoma?
Adrenocortical Carcinoma is a rare cancer that starts in the outer layer of the adrenal glands above the kidneys.
What is Anal Cancer?
Anal Cancer is a rare disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the anus, often linked to HPV infection and causing bleeding or pain.
What is Appendix Cancer?
Appendix Cancer is a rare tumor that develops in the lining of the appendix and may spread within the abdomen.
What is Bone Cancer?
Bone Cancer is a malignant tumor that destroys normal bone tissue and may spread to other parts of the body.
What is Brain Cancer?
Brain Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow in brain tissue, disrupting normal brain function.
What is Carcinoid Tumor?
Carcinoid Tumor is a slow-growing type of neuroendocrine tumor that can develop in the digestive or respiratory tract.
What is Cholangiocarcinoma?
Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer that forms in the bile ducts, blocking bile flow from the liver to the intestine.
What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is a slow-growing blood cancer in which abnormal lymphocytes build up over time.
What is Endometrial Cancer?
Endometrial Cancer is a type of uterine cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium.
What is Ewing Sarcoma?
Ewing Sarcoma is a rare bone or soft tissue cancer that mainly affects children and young adults.
What is Eye Cancer?
Eye Cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the eye, such as the retina or iris.
What is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system marked by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
What is Hypopharyngeal Cancer?
Hypopharyngeal Cancer is a rare throat cancer that starts in the lower part of the pharynx near the esophagus.
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney Cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the kidneys, often in adults.
What is Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer?
Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the lips, mouth, tongue, or gums, often causing sores, pain, or swallowing difficulties.
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver Cancer is a disease that begins in liver cells and can disrupt vital functions such as detoxification, metabolism, and nutrient storage.
What is Male Breast Cancer?
Male Breast Cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the breast tissue of men, often diagnosed at later stages.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that starts in pigment-producing melanocytes and can spread quickly if not detected early.
What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a rare but aggressive skin cancer that begins in Merkel cells near nerve endings.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen caused mainly by asbestos exposure.
What is Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Nasopharyngeal Cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the upper throat behind the nose, often linked to EBV infection or environmental factors.
What is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer that starts in immature nerve cells of the adrenal glands or nervous system.
What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that develop from lymphocytes and affect the immune system.
What is Ocular Melanoma?
Ocular Melanoma is a rare eye cancer that forms in pigment cells of the uvea and may affect vision or spread beyond the eye.
What is Oropharyngeal Cancer?
Oropharyngeal Cancer is a throat cancer that develops in the middle part of the pharynx, including the tonsils.
What is Osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that begins in cells forming new bone tissue, mainly affecting teens and young adults.
What is Parathyroid Cancer?
Parathyroid Cancer is a rare tumor that develops in the parathyroid glands, affecting calcium regulation.
What is Penile Cancer?
Penile Cancer is a rare malignancy in which cancer cells form on the skin or tissues of the penis, sometimes linked to HPV infection.
What is Pheochromocytoma?
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that produces excess hormones and raises blood pressure.
What is Pituitary Tumor?
Pituitary Tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland that can affect hormone levels and body functions.
What is Primary CNS Lymphoma?
Primary CNS Lymphoma is a rare lymphoma starting in the brain, spinal cord, or eyes, often causing neurological or cognitive symptoms.
What is Renal Cell Carcinoma?
Renal Cell Carcinoma is the most common adult kidney cancer that starts in the renal tubules and may cause pain, blood in urine, or a mass.
What is Retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood eye cancer that develops in the retina, potentially affecting vision if not treated promptly.
What is Rhabdomyosarcoma?
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue cancer that develops from skeletal muscle cells, mainly in children.
What is Salivary Gland Cancer?
Salivary Gland Cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the glands that produce saliva in the mouth and throat.
What is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in connective tissues such as bone, muscle, fat, or cartilage.
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a common skin or mucosal cancer that originates in squamous epithelial cells.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate Cancer is a common male cancer that develops in the prostate gland and may affect urination, fertility, or sexual function.
What is Scrotal Cancer?
Scrotal Cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the skin or tissues of the scrotum, sometimes linked to chronic irritation or HPV.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin Cancer is a disease in which abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, often due to UV exposure from the sun or tanning devices.
What is Soft Tissue Sarcoma?
Soft Tissue Sarcoma is a rare cancer that starts in muscles, fat, nerves, or connective tissues and can occur anywhere in the body.
What is Spinal Cancer?
Spinal Cancer is a tumor that forms in or around the spinal cord or vertebrae, potentially causing pain, weakness, or nerve damage.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach Cancer is a disease that begins in the stomach lining and can cause digestive issues, weight loss, or persistent discomfort.
What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular Cancer is a cancer that develops in the testicles and often affects younger men, causing swelling or a painless lump.
What is Throat Cancer?
Throat Cancer is a disease that forms in the pharynx or larynx, often linked to tobacco, alcohol use, or HPV infection.
What is Thymoma?
Thymoma is a rare tumor of the thymus gland that may affect immune function and cause chest pain or breathing problems.
What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid Cancer is a cancer that begins in the thyroid gland and may cause neck swelling, voice changes, or hormone imbalance.
What is Tongue Cancer?
Tongue Cancer is a type of oral cancer that forms in tongue tissues, affecting speech, swallowing, and mouth function.
What is Tonsil Cancer?
Tonsil Cancer is a cancer that develops in the tonsils, often associated with HPV infection and causing throat pain or difficulty swallowing.
What is Ureter Cancer?
Ureter Cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the tubes carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder, affecting urinary flow.
What is Urethral Cancer?
Urethral Cancer is a rare cancer that starts in the urethra and may cause urinary difficulties, bleeding, or pain.
What is Vaginal Cancer?
Vaginal Cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina, often linked to HPV infection and causing bleeding, pain, or discomfort.