Last updated on : 30 Sep, 2024
Read time : 8 min
Cancer is one of the complex and diverse diseases caused by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It can originate from practically any tissue of a human body, and in fact, it represents many different diseases which all have their own features and ways of treatment. Cancer includes several significant types that are important to be known for early detection, diagnosis, and effective treatment. This broad overview will be our gateway to an overview of the main categories of cancers, represented by carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, and brain and spinal cord cancers.
Genetic alterations in normal cells confer on them the ability to grow in an unregulated manner, avoiding natural defense mechanisms of the human body. These abnormal cells can sometimes form tumors, invade nearby tissues, and finally metastasize to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. While some of these tumors are benign and do not give rise to a metastatic phenotype, some malignant tumors can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Cancer in general falls into a few major categories, based on the kind of cell or tissue it arises from. Each category includes different types of cancer, all of which are unique in certain features and characteristics of behavior.
Overall, carcinomas account for about 85-90% of all types of cancer cases. They are usually derived from epithelial cells, which line the inner and outer tissue layers in the body. They have the potential to affect many organs, such as skin, lungs, breasts, colon, prostate, and pancreas. The subtypes that make carcinomas include:
Characteristically, carcinomas are able to form solid tumours and invade local tissues. Early diagnosis and treatment can ensure better chances of survival and limit further metastasis.
Also Read: Cancer prevention tips to reduce the cancer risk
Sarcomas are types of cancers, rare and very diverse in their origin, arising from the connective tissues of the body: bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, and cartilage. Sarcoma cancers represent less than 1% of all cases of cancers. Individually, however, some sarcomas can be really aggressive and hard to cure. There are two main categories for sarcomas:
Sarcomas affect all age groups of human beings and almost always require surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy in combination to effectively treat them.
Also Read: Stomach cancer: overview, causes and symptoms
Leukemias are cancers that generally affect blood and bone marrow. Specifically, they involve unregulated replication of abnormal white blood cells. Unlike other forms of cancer, the leukemia cancer does not make up formed tumors but rather the blood cells in production and functioning. Types of leukemia include:
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, etc., are some of the possible treatments available in the case of leukemia.
Lymphomas are cancers that originate in the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system that includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. There are two major types of lymphoma cancers:
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy may be used in treating lymphomas, depending on the type and stage.
Also Read: Oral cancer: Overview, causes, symptoms and treatment
Myeloma, otherwise known as multiple myeloma, is a form of cancer that originates in the plasma cells. These are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. Myeloma basically affects the bone marrow and results in bone pain or fractures, anemia, and kidney damage. Basically, this cancer is characterized by abnormal plasma cells that multiply uncontrolledly, therefore producing abnormal excessive amounts of antibodies.
Most treatments of myeloma involve combinations of chemotherapy, corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs, and targeted therapies. Stem cell transplantation may also be considered for eligible patients.
Brain and spinal cord cancers are types of central nervous system cancers, relatively very uncommon, although at the same time, very aggressive and difficult to treat. The brain and spinal cord are their primary areas of origin; therefore, they disturb vital functions such as motion, sensation, and other cognitive operations. The most common CNS cancers are:
Standard treatment for most CNS cancers involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies have also recently been developed with quite promising results in treating such complex cancers.
Also Read: Stages of Cancer and Treatments For Different Stages
Therefore, it is a complex disease with so many forms and types that the diagnosis and cure for each of them require a different form of treatment. Knowing the major kinds of cancer, such as carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, brain and spinal cord cancers, helps to improve the fate of a patient and offer the best possible care to him or her. Early detection, coupled with the research being undertaken and the technological advancements in medicine, would keep raising our ability to fight cancer and improve the quality of life for those affected by the illness.
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The three deadliest cancers are lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Lung cancer causes the most cancer deaths worldwide due to smoking. Other than these, colorectal and pancreatic cancers cause the next highest number of cancer deaths since they are often diagnosed at quite an advanced stage.
These are the fastest-killing cancers: pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. Most of these cancers are very aggressive, present late, and are difficult to treat effectively, which lowers survival rates.
Advanced-stage cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and some brain cancers, are usually considered not curable. In most cases, these particular cancers have rather poor survival rates due to their highly aggressive and treatment-resistant nature.
Yes, some cancers are curable, especially when diagnosed early. Skin cancers, breast cancer, and testicular cancer are usually treatable and often curable if found early. The successes of medical treatments are also continually improving to make more types of cancers curable.
A cancerous tumor can hurt, especially if it has pressed on the nerves or bones and even other organs. The degree of pain will depend on the type of cancer, its location, and the stage. Not all cancerous tumors are painful at the outset; however, with time, as the disease progresses, pain becomes a dominant symptom.
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Disclaimer
Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.
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