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Cancer Types
There are many different types of cancer tumors, and the specific disease is named for the part of the body in which it begins. Other than skin cancer, the most common type of cancer for women is breast cancer. For men it is prostate cancer. Other common types of the disease include lung, colorectal and uterine cancers. For more information about various types of cancer, select from the list below.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 
A

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
A rare form of adenocarcinoma, which is a broad term describing any cancer arising from glandular tissues, found mainly in the head and neck, but can occasionally occur in a woman’s uterus or other sites in the body.
 
Adrenal Gland Tumor
Cancer of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each of the body’s two kidneys and are an important part of the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system.
 
Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is found in or on the anus, which is part of the gastrointestinal tract and is the opening at the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, where bowel movements leave the body.
 
Appendix Cancer
The appendix is a pouch-like tube that is attached to the cecum (the first section of the large intestine or colon) and averages 10 centimeters in length. Appendix cancer occurs when cells in the appendix become abnormal and multiply without control.
 
Astrocytoma - Childhood
Childhood astrocytoma is a type of central nervous system (CNS) tumor that forms when cells called astrocytes begin to grow uncontrollably and form a mass.

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B
 
Bile Duct Cancer
The bile duct is a 4-inch to 5-inch tube that connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. When cells in the bile duct become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, a cancerous tumor develops.
 
Bladder Cancer
The bladder stores urine before it leaves the body during urination. Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass of tissue.
 
Bone Cancer
Bone cancer begins when cells in the bone begin to change, grow without control, and no longer die, forming a mass called a tumor. Bone cancer is rare and accounts for less than one percent of all new cancers.
 
Brain Stem Glioma - Childhood

Brain stem glioma begins when cells in the brain stem begin to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. A glioma is a tumor that grows from a glial cell, which is a supportive cell in the brain.
 
Brain Tumor
A primary brain tumor is when cells begin to grow uncontrollably and eventually form a mass, called a tumor. When a tumor arises in the brain, which is part of the central nervous system, it is especially problematic because of the potential effect on a person's thought processes and movements. There are more than 100 types of primary brain tumors.
 
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer, which begins when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a tumor, is the most common cancer occurring in women (excluding cancers of the skin).

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 C

Carcinoid Tumor
A carcinoid tumor starts in the hormone-producing cells of various organs, primarily the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) and lungs, but also the pancreas, testicles (in males) or ovaries (in females).
 
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer starts in a woman's cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus.
 
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is a disease in which normal cells in the lining of the colon or rectum begin to change, start to grow uncontrollably, and no longer die. Initially, the cell growth appears as a benign (noncancerous) polyp that can, over time, become a cancerous tumor. If not treated or removed, a polyp can become a potentially life-threatening cancer.

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E

Endocrine Tumor
An endocrine tumor is a growth that affects the parts of the body that secrete hormones. 
 
Ependymoma - Childhood
Ependymoma is a type of brain tumor that most often occurs in young children.
 
Esophageal Cancer
Cancer of the esophagus, which is a long, hollow, muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, begins in the inner layer of the esophageal wall and grows outward. 
 
Ewings Family of Tumors - Childhood
Ewing's family of tumors (EFT) is a group of cancers that affect the bones or nearby soft tissue, occurring most often in the legs, spine, ribs, thighs, pelvis, chest or feet.
 
Eye Cancer
Eye cancer describes many types of tumors that occur in various parts of the eye. It occurs when cells in or around the eye grow abnormally.
 
Eyelid Cancer
Eyelid cancer occurs on or in the eyelid and is broadly categorized as an epithelial (outer surface) tumor.

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F

Fallopian Tube Cancer
Every woman has two fallopian tubes, which link her ovaries to her uterus. Fallopian tube cancer is when cells in the fallopian tubes begin to grow uncontrollably, and form a tumor.

G

Gallbladder Cancer
A pear-shaped organ located just under the liver, the gallbladder stores bile, a fluid made by the liver that helps digest fats. Gallbladder cancer occurs when cells in the gallbladder become abnormal and multiply without control forming a mass or tumor.
 
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor - GIST
A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare type of tumor that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. It can begin in the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, liver, small intestine, colon or rectum. 
 
Germ Cell Tumor - Childhood

Germ cells are special cells in a developing fetus that become the testicles in boys and the ovaries in girls. Rarely, during development of the embryo, these cells travel to other areas of the body and become cancerous.
 
Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor

A gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) is a rare cancer occurring in women that is most commonly the result of an abnormal pregnancy due to an abnormal combination of a sperm and an egg.

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H

Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer describes a number of malignant (cancerous) tumors that can appear in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses and mouth.
 
HIV and AIDS-Related Cancer
Likely due to a weakened immune system, people with HIV/AIDS are at high risk for developing certain cancers, such as Kaposi’s sarcoma (rare types of skin cancer), non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer.
 
I

Islet Cell Tumor
When a tumor forms in the islet cells or specialized cells clustered together in the pancreas, it is called pancreatic islet cell tumor, pancreatic endocrine tumor, Islet of Langerhans tumor, or neuroendocrine tumor. 

K

Kidney Cancer
Kidneys filter blood and remove impurities, excess minerals and salts, and surplus water. When cells in the kidney begin to grow uncontrollably, a cancerous mass or tumor may develop.

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L

Lacrimal Gland Tumor
The lacrimal glands are located above and to the side of the eye and are responsible for secreting tears. When lacrimal gland cells become abnormal and start to multiply, they form a mass or tumor, which can be cancerous or non-cancerous.
 
Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer
The larynx, also known as the voice box, is located at the top of the windpipe or trachea. It is important for breathing, talking and swallowing. When cells in the larynx become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, a tumor can develop. 
 
Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the blood and the most common type of cancer in children. There are many different types of leukemia named after the specific blood cell that becomes cancerous.
 
Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancer is cancer that begins in the liver. It is more common for the liver to be the site of metastasis (spreading) from another cancer, such as pancreas, colon, stomach, breast or lung cancer. 
 
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer affects more than 200,000 Americans each year, and occurs when cells in the lung grow out of control and form a tumor, mass, lesion or nodule which can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are two major types of lung cancer: non-small cell (most common) and small cell.
 
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system, which is made up of bean shaped nodes located throughout the body. Lymphoma begins when cells in the lymph system change and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. There are several different types of lymphoma, and treatment varies by type.

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M
 
Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that begins in the lining of the internal organs of the body. Approximately three-fourths of cases of mesothelioma begin in the lining surrounding the lungs (called pleural mesothelioma).

Multiple Myeloma
Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside of bones. The abnormal plasma cells can suppress the growth of other cells in the bone that produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

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N 

Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the inside of the nose or paranasal cavities around the nose.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Nasopharyngeal cancer (also called nasopharyngeal carcinoma or NPC) is a disease of the nasopharynx, which is the air passageway at the upper part of the pharynx (throat) behind the nose.  It occurs when cells in the nasopharynx change and begin to grow without control.

Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a solid cancerous tumor that begins in the nerve cells of infants and young children. It can start in nerve tissue of the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis, but it most often begins in the tissue of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of both kidneys and produce hormones that help control body functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Neuroendocrine Tumor
A neuroendocrine tumor originates from the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system, which consists of cells that are a cross between traditional endocrine cells (or hormone-producing cells) and nerve cells. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body in organs, and help regulate specific functions of the organs.

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O

Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer
Cancer of the oral cavity (mouth and tongue) and the oropharynx (the middle of the throat from the tonsils to the tip of the voice box) are two of the most common types of head and neck cancer. Oral and oropharyngeal cancer begins when cells become abnormal and multiply without control, forming a growth of tissue which can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a cancer of the bone that destroys tissue and weakens the bone. It occurs most often in children and young adults, and starts in immature bone cells that normally form new bone tissue. It occurs rarely as a tumor in the soft tissues of the body, outside the bone.

Ovarian Cancer
The ovaries are glands in women containing the germ cells or eggs. Ovarian cancer begins as normal cells in a woman’s ovary(ies) begin to change, grow without control, forming a mass called a tumor.

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P

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer beings when normal cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a mass, called a tumor. The pancreatic tumor can affect the functioning of the pancreas, grow outward to involve nearby blood vessels and organs, and eventually metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body.

Parathyroid Cancer
A parathyroid tumor begins in one of four small glands, called the parathyroid glands, which are located in the neck near the thyroid gland and are part of the endocrine system. They help regulate hormones in the body.

Penile Cancer
Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer that occurs mostly in uncircumcised men. There are several different types of penile cancer, including epidermoid/squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, sarcoma and basal cell penile cancer.

Pituitary Gland Tumor
The pituitary gland is a small gland located near the brain that secretes a variety of hormones that affect many bodily functions. Most often, pituitary tumors are benign (noncancerous) growths; however, a pituitary gland tumor can occasionally show malignant (cancerous) behavior by invading nearby tissue and structures, or in rare cases, metastasis (spreading) to other parts of the body.

Pleuropulmonary Blastoma
Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare type of childhood lung cancer that begins either in the lung tissue (pulmonary) or in the tissue that covers the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity (pleura).

Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins in the prostate gland of men.

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R
Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood cancer that begins in the part of the eye called the retina, which is a thin layer of nerve tissue that coats the back of the eye and enables the eye to see.

Rhabdomyosarcoma
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that begins when mesenchymal cells (immature cells that normally develop to form muscle) become abnormal and grow without control, forming a tumor.  While rare, rhabdomyosarcoma most often occurs in people under the age of 25.

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S

Salivary Gland Cancer
Cancer of the salivary gland is a malignant tumor of the tissues that produce saliva, the fluid that is released into the mouth to keep it moist and contains enzymes that begin breaking down food.

Sarcoma
Sarcoma is cancer that develops in the soft tissues that support and connect the body—fat, muscle, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels or lymph vessels.

Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma)
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, with about one million Americans diagnosed each year. Usually, if the cancer is found early, skin cancer can be successfully treated by removing the cancerous cells through surgery.

Small Bowel Cancer
Cancer of the small bowel, which is part of the digestive system and allows food to be broken down and nutrients to be absorbed into the body, begins when cells become abnormal and grow out of control.

Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer begins when cells in the stomach become abnormal and grow uncontrollably forming a growth of tissue, called a tumor.

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T

Testicular Cancer

The testicles are part of the male reproductive system, and located under the penis in a sac-like pouch called the scrotum. When cells in one or both testicles become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably, a growth, or tumor can form which may be cancerous. Testicular cancer is often successfully treated, especially if found early.

Thymoma
The thymus is a small organ located under the sternum (breastbone) that makes white blood cells and is part of the lymph system. When cells in the thymus become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, a tumor, which may be cancerous, can form.

Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the larynx (voice box), and produces thyroid hormone, which regulates a person’s metabolism.  Thyroid cancer begins when the cells in the thyroid begin to change, grow uncontrollably, and eventually form a tumor.

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U

Uterine Cancer
Part of a woman’s reproductive system, the uterus is located in a woman's pelvis between her bladder and rectum. Uterine cancer begins when cells in the uterus begin to change, grow uncontrollably, and eventually form a tumor, which can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

V

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer of the female reproductive system. The vagina is the opening through which menstrual fluid leaves the body and babies are born.

Vulvar Cancer
The vulva is a woman’s external genitalia and is made up of the skin and fatty tissue that surround the clitoris and the openings of the vagina and urethra. The fatty tissue makes up two folds, called the labia majora and labia minora. Cancer of the vulva occurs most often in or on the labia. Less frequently, it can occur on the clitoris or in the glands on the sides of the vaginal opening, called Bartholin’s glands, which produce a mucus.
 
W

Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is a type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects small lymphocytes (white blood cells).

Wilms Tumor - Childhood
Wilms tumor is a type of childhood cancer that begins in the kidneys, the two bean-shaped organs located above the waist on both sides of the spine.

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