Cancer is a disease that results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. The cells can invade other tissues and organs in the body, causing damage and sometimes leading to death. Cancer can occur in any part of the body and can be classified into different types based on the type of cell that is initially affected. This blog will provide a quick guide on how many types of cancer are there.
What Is Cancer?
A vast group of illnesses collectively known as cancer have one thing in common: They all result from the transformation of healthy cells into malignant cells that spread and grow.
The second most frequent cause of death is cancer. Nonetheless, fewer individuals are dying from cancer now than they were 20 years ago. Cancer is being cured and cancer patients are living longer because of early detection and cutting-edge treatments. In order to aid in cancer prevention, medical experts are simultaneously finding independent risk factors associated to the disease.
Different Types of Cancer
Carcinoma
Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer and is formed from cells that make up the skin, glands, and other internal organs. There are two types of carcinoma: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the thin, flat cells that make up the skin and lining of the organs, while adenocarcinoma occurs in the cells that produce mucus or other fluids. Carcinomas are further classified based on the organ or tissue where they originate. Some of the common types of carcinoma include breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops from the connective tissue in the body, such as bone, muscle, cartilage, or fat. Sarcomas can occur anywhere in the body, but they are most commonly found in the arms, legs, or pelvis. Sarcoma can be divided into two types of cancer: soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcoma. Soft tissue sarcoma develops in the soft tissues of the body, while bone sarcoma affects the bones. Some of the common types of sarcoma include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and malignant fibrous histiocytoma.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer develops when unchecked cell growth and division results in a mass of tissue known as a tumour. Breast cancer symptoms can include feeling a lump in your breast, witnessing changes to the skin of your breasts, or seeing a change in the size of your breast. Early detection is made easier by mammograms.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that develops in the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Leukemia can be classified into four types: acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia are more common in children, while chronic lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia are more common in adults.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting infections and diseases. It is characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which accumulate in the lymph nodes and other organs. Lymphoma can be classified into two types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that is characterized by the presence of a specific type of abnormal white blood cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common and can be further classified into different subtypes based on the type of cell that is initially affected.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
CNS tumors are a type of cancer that affects the brain and spinal cord. They can be either primary, which means they start in the brain or spinal cord, or secondary, which means they spread from other parts of the body to the CNS. CNS tumors can be classified into two types: benign and malignant. Benign CNS tumors are non-cancerous and grow slowly, while malignant CNS tumors are cancerous and can grow rapidly. Some of the common types of CNS tumors include meningioma, glioma, and medulloblastoma.
Also Read:- Cervical Cancer Screening – What women should know?
Myeloma
Plasma cells are where myeloma, a malignancy, begins. The bone marrow produces plasma cells, a specific type of white blood cell. To assist in the battle against infection, they create antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins. Plasma cells have the potential to proliferate uncontrollably and abnormally. They produce a particular kind of antibody that is ineffective in battling an infection.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cancer?
It's difficult to treat cancer. Years may pass while you still have cancer without showing any signs. In some cases, cancer may show obvious signs that worsen extremely quickly. Several of cancer's symptoms are also present in other, less deadly diseases. Even if you experience certain types of cancer and symptoms, like your body experiences a change that lasts more than two weeks, you should generally consult a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
When you learn you have cancer, you could experience fear and overwhelmed. Many people believe that they no longer have control over their lives. All of those emotions are acknowledged by your healthcare providers. They are aware that receiving a cancer diagnosis alters one's life. They are also aware of the stress associated with cancer therapy. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you get to know about cancer symptoms.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
