The Many Types of Cancer
What is cancer? Simply put, it is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in your body. These abnormal cells crowd your normal cells, making it difficult for your body to function as it should. Eventually, those abnormal cells can form into big masses, called tumors.
The Many Types of Cancer
What is cancer? Simply put, it is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in your body. These abnormal cells crowd your normal cells, making it difficult for your body to function as it should. Eventually, those abnormal cells can form into big masses, called tumors.
Tumors: Benign vs. Malignant
The word “cancer” refers to malignant tumors. Other tumors are non-cancerous, or benign. As the more dangerous of the two tumor types, malignant tumors multiply before penetrating and harming your body’s tissues, leading to serious health issues and possibly death. Receiving regular medical checkups is incredibly important, so that pre-cancerous conditions or potential malignancies can be spotted and treated as early as possible.
Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors will not invade neighboring tissues, but they also can grow in size and cause health problems. Eventually, a benign tumor may press against vital structures in your body, including your nerves and blood vessels. In these cases, benign tumors will require treatment.
Each type of cancer merits a different form of treatment. Depending on the type you have, the oncologists at Regional Cancer Care Associates will recommend the most effective plan for you. But for all patients, our goal is to prevent the spread of cancer and to effectively treat the cancer wherever it currently is located..
Our staff is expert in treating a wide range of cancer types, including:
This type of cancer most often develops in older adults, occurring in the hollow organ that stores urine in the pelvis. The brain contains several different types of cells. Brain cancers are divided into types based on which type of brain cell is
affected Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect women and can develop into a hard lump in any part of the breast tissue. The cervix is the tissue that connects the
uterus and vagina. Cervical cancer is often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers found in both men and women and occurs in the large intestine, which helps digest food. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal cancer occurs more often in men than in women. This type of cancer is specific to women and occurs in the fallopian
tubes, which carry egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus. Head and neck cancers develop in the throat, mouth, lips, sinuses, or nose. Most cases are caused by tobacco, alcohol, or infection with HPV. The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that remove waste and extra water and produce urine. Kidney cancer primarily affects older adults. Cancer that develops in blood cells is called leukemia. Unlike most other types of cancer, leukemia does not result in solid tumors. The liver is an organ that helps digest food and get rid of toxins. Certain diseases, infections, or alcohol use may cause liver cancer. There are a few different types of lung cancer, each of which may be treated differently. Smoking
is a major risk factor for developing lung cancer. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in lymph nodes or lymphatic organs of the lymphatic system, which helps the body fight infections and remove waste. This cancer develops in the thin tissue that lines the lungs, heart, chest, and abdomen. Most mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. Within the body’s neuroendocrine system are specialized cells, which share characteristics with nerve cells and the endocrine cells that produce hormones. Bladder Cancer
Brain Cancer
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Colon Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Fallopian Tube Cancer
Head & Neck Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Leukemia
Liver Cancer
Lung Cancer
Lymphoma
Mesothelioma
Neuroendocrine Tumors
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer includes tumors that grow in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum, which lines the abdomen.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer seen in men and occurs in the gland that produces semen.
Rectal Cancer
The rectum is the lower part of your large intestine. Rectal cancer is often grouped with colon cancer and referred to as colorectal cancer.
Sarcomas
When a tumor forms in the connective tissues of the body, it is classified as sarcoma. Sarcoma affects the bones, muscles, veins, nerves, and other tissues.
Skin Cancer
There are several different types of skin cancer, which may be treated through different methods. Sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer.
Small Cell Carcinoma
Small cell carcinoma is one of the most aggressive forms of lung cancer. It represents 13% of all lung cancers.
Stomach Cancer
Several different types of cancer can occur in the stomach. Risk factors for stomach cancer include smoking, infections, or a poor diet.
Testicular Cancer
Testicles are glands that produce sperm cells. Testicular cancer may lead to a hardened lump or enlarged testicle
Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid is a gland that sits at the base of the neck and is responsible for making certain hormones. Thyroid cancer is more common in women.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Transitional cell carcinoma affects the transitional cells of the urinary system and accounts for an overwhelming majority of bladder cancer diagnoses.
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer, also called endometrial cancer, is the most common gynecological cancer. Risk of uterine cancer increases with age.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
RCCA offers cutting-edge treatment options for every type of cancer. Our expert care teams can match you with the treatment plan that fits your needs. LEARN MORE
Improve your quality of life and learn to manage life with cancer through our integrative services. We offer several solutions to support and promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. LEARN MORE
The field of cancer treatment is constantly improving and evolving. RCCA conducts hundreds of clinical trials that can help develop new therapies and treatment plans. LEARN MORE
Contact RCCA Now
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (844) 346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.