2. Different Types Of Cancer
Cancer is a term used for a group of diseases that cause cells to grow uncontrollably forming a tumour (malignant). If left untreated these cells migrate from the original location and can spread to other parts of the body. Depending on where the cancer starts (the primary location/organ) the cancer will cause different symptoms. Some cancers are faster growing/more aggressive whereas others can be much slower growing. Similarly some cancers can grow and cause very few symptoms. While there are over 200 types of cancer, here’s a summary of some common types along with key symptoms (red flags) to watch out for in each case. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
Below is a summary to outline the different types of cancer. We have guides with more detailed information about each cancer type.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Normally, our cells grow, divide, and die in a regulated manner. However, due to mutations in DNA, some cells may grow and divide at a faster rate than normal, forming tumors. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Groups of Cancer
Cancers are classified into various groups based on the origin of the malignant cells. Here are the primary types of cancer:
1. Carcinomas
- Description: Arise from epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of organs and tissues.
- Common Types:
Breast Cancer: More common in women. Symptoms include lumps in the breast, changes in breast shape or size, and unusual discharge from the nipple.
Lung Cancer: More common in men. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.
Colon Cancer: Affects both men and women, although slightly higher incidence in men. Symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, and abdominal discomfort.
2. Sarcomas
- Description: Develop in connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle.
- Common Types:
Osteosarcoma: More common in males. Symptoms include localized bone pain, swelling, and fractures.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Affects various parts of the body, symptoms depend on the specific location but may include a lump and pain.
3. Lymphomas
- Description: Cancers of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system.
- Common Types:
Hodgkin Lymphoma: Affects both sexes but slightly more common in men. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Affects both men and women. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
4. Leukemias
- Description: Cancers of the blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system.
- Common Types:
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): More common in children but can also occur in adults. Symptoms include fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): More common in men. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and frequent infections.
5. Central Nervous System Cancers
- Description: Cancers that occur in the brain and spinal cord tissues.
- Common Types:
Gliomas: Can affect both men and women. Symptoms include headaches, seizures, and cognitive changes.
Meningiomas: More common in women. Symptoms include headaches, vision problems, and neurological deficits.
6. Melanoma
- Description: A type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin.
- Incidence: Affects both genders, though higher incidence in men. Symptoms include changes in the size or color of moles, new growths on the skin, and itchiness or pain.
Summary of Cancer Types and Incidences
TYPE | MORE COMMON IN | SYMPTOMS SUMMARY
Breast Cancer | Women | Lumps, changes in breast shape, nipple discharge
Lung Cancer | Men | Persistent cough, shortness of breath, weight loss
Colon Cancer (Bowel) | Slightly Men |Changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort
Osteosarcoma | Men | Localized bone pain, swelling, fractures
Soft Tissue Sarcoma | Both | Lumps, pain in affected area
Hodgkin Lymphoma | Men | Swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | Both |Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) | More children, can affect adults |Fatigue, infections, easy bruising
Chronic Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (CLL) | Men |Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, frequent infections
Gliomas | Both | Headaches, seizures, cognitive changes
Meningiomas | Women | Headaches, vision problems, neurological deficits
Melanoma |Both | Changes in moles, new skin growths, itchiness
Endometrial Cancer | Women |Abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, bleeding after menopause
Vulva Cancer | Women |abnormal bleeding, ulcers that don't heal, pain during intercourse, lumps
Ovarian Cancer | Women |bloating, pelvic pain,
Fallopian Tube Cancer (leiomyosarcoma) | Women |minimal symptoms early on, bloating, pelvic pain
Cervical Cancer | Women |pain during intercourse, abnormal vaginal bleeding,
Vaginal Cancer | Women |pain during intercourse, abnormal bleeding
Testicular Cancer | Men |swollen testes, painful testes, blood in urine
Prostate Cancer | Men |Difficulty urinating, blood in urine, painful urination, pelvic pain, back pain, frequent night urination
Tracheal Cancer |change in voice, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, coughing up blood
Liver Cancer |Men | Weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, jaundice
Pancreatic Cancer |change in skin colour (jaundice), abdominal pain (not always), weight loss, loss of appetite
Renal Cancer (Kidneys) |Men | blood in urine, flank pain, loss of appetitie, weight loss
Bladder Cancer |Men | blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination
Retinoblastoma (eye) |Both | Vision changes, white dot in eye (lack of red eye in a photo)
Oesophageal Cancer | Men | Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, weight loss, hoarse voice
Stomach Cancer | Men | Weight loss, abdominal pain, loss of appetite
Oral Cancer |Men | Sores in mouth, difficulty chewing/swallowing, lumps in neck
Thyroid Cancer | Women | Lump in neck, changes in voice, weight changes, difficulty swallowing
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of cancer is crucial in recognizing symptoms and seeking early medical advice. If you or someone you know experiences any concerning symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and possible screening. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.