TYPES OF CANCER

Cancers are named according to the types of cells or tissues from which they originate.  Although physicians routinely use these labels, another set, to be described later, is more familiar to laypersons:

Carcinoma – Found most frequently in the skin, nose, mouth, throat, stomach, intestinal tract, glands, nerves, breasts, urinary and genital structures, lungs, kidneys, and liver; approximately 85% of all malignant tumors are classified as carcinomas.

Sarcoma – Formed in the connective tissues of the body; bone, cartilage, and tendons are the sites of sarcoma development; only 2% of all malignancies are of this type.

Melanoma – Arises from the melanin – containing cells of skin; found most often in people who have had extensive sun exposure, particularly a deep, penetrating sunburn; although once rare, the amount of this cancer has increased markedly in recent years; remains among the most deadly forms of cancer.

Neuroblastoma – Originates in the immature cells found within the central nervous system; neuroblastomas are rare; usually found in children.

Adenocarcinoma – Derived from cells of the endocrine glands.

Hepatoma – originates in cells of the liver; although not thought to be directly caused by alcohol use, seen more frequently in people who have experienced sclerotic changes in the liver.

Leukemia – Found in cells of the blood and blood forming tissues; characterized by abnormal, immature white blood cell formation; several forms are found in adults and children.

Lymphoma – Arises in cells of the lymphatic tissues or other immune system tissues; includes lymphosarcomas and Hodgkin’s disease; characterized by abnormal white cell production and decreased resistance.