Types of Cancer

Carcinoma

Carcinomas are typically the most common type of cancer diagnosed. They form in epithelial tissue, which lines all internal and external surfaces of the body - like the skin, organs, and other internal passageways within the body. Lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer are all carcinomas.

Carcinomas are further divided into 3 subcategories. Carcinoma in situ means that the cancer has not spread, while invasive carcinoma indicates that it has spread to close surrounding tissue, and metastatic carcinoma spreads to other parts of the body. This type of cancer is also associated with an increased risk in people 65 or older (with carcinoma being rare in children) and those assigned male at birth.

Sarcomas

Sarcomas are cancers that originate in the bones and connective tissue. This includes muscle, fat, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Just like carcinomas, sarcomas can also spread, and tend to grow and spread quickly. Most commonly, they spread to the lungs, where it can be the most fatal. However, if diagnosed at an early stage, sarcomas can be removed and the person cured.

Melanoma

Melanoma refers to cancer of cells that produce melanin, which is what gives the skin its pigmenting. Often, this type of cancer results from regular exposure to UV radiation from tanning beds or even sunlight. There are many unknowns, however, as to what damages the DNA in skin cells and therefore causes melanoma, but those at risk are mostly fair skinned, with a history of hereditary skin cancer, weakened immune system, and sunburns.

Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. Types of leukemia include chronic (slow growing), acute (fast growing), & myeloid and lymphoid leukemia - which differ based on the cells the cancer begins in. This type of cancer originates in bone marrow, where the body’s blood cells are created. One of the developing blood cells begins to multiply out of control, taking over space inside the bone marrow that should be used for other red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

This type of cancer is most prevalent among male, Caucasian people over 65, and is usually treated with chemotherapy.

Lymphoma

Lymphomas are cancers that start in the lymphatic system, which is made up of the lymph nodes and vessels. This type of cancer is classified by two types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They usually arise in older adults, and are considered highly treatable.