Cancer

Articles

Brain tumor in adults
Condition

Brain tumor in adults

A brain tumor occurs when a cluster of cells grows abnormally in the brain. These can affect you in different ways. It may not contain cancerous cells, in which case it is termed benign, but it may grow to a size that presses on important areas of the brain to cause symptoms. Alternatively, it may contain cancerous cells, in which case it disrupts the normal function of an area of the brain, even if it is a small size, and this is called a malignant tumor. If a benign tumor remains small and slow-growing, it may not cause any symptoms at all. Brain tumors can affect anyone at any age but are more common in adults than children. About 25,000 new cases of brain cancer are diagnosed in the US each year. On average, the 5-year survival rate is 32% after diagnosis.

Bowel cancer
Condition

Bowel cancer

Cancer occurs when cells in our body multiply out of control, producing lots of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells don't function like they should and can invade tissues or organs and sometimes spread to other parts of the body. Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, includes cancer of the colon (which is the large intestine) and cancer of the rectum (which is the last few inches of the large intestine before it turns into the anus). It is the third most common cancer in the US, affecting both men and women, and is more likely as we age. Certain genetic and lifestyle factors can increase your risk - we'll talk you through them. Symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in the stool, a change in your bowel habits for more than a few weeks, and a tending towards diarrhea, but may also tend towards constipation, too. Another symptom may be abdominal pain or discomfort and bloating. It is important to note that most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer, but if they persist, occur with older individuals, or occur with symptoms like loss of appetite, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss - this should be discussed with a doctor urgently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults aged 45-75 years be screened for colorectal cancer. Your doctor may recommend earlier testing if you are at higher risk. Results from this initial test will determine how often you should be rescreened. Evidence shows you can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer by eating a high-fiber diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and avoiding processed foods. You should avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake to lower risk, and keep fit and maintain a healthy weight.

Bladder cancer
Condition

Bladder cancer

The bladder is the pouch that stores urine before you pee it out. Cancer cells can grow in the inner lining of the bladder and spread to involve the muscle walls and other structures. Bladder cancer is relatively common in the US, affecting older adults and men more than women. It’s usually surgically treated, with chemotherapy and radiotherapy alongside, depending on both the tumor and the health of the person it affects. But both the cancer and effects of treatment can have a lasting impact on someone’s quality of life and emotional well-being.

Cancer
Condition

Cancer

Cancer occurs when cells in the body multiply out of control, producing lots of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells don't function like they should and can invade tissues or organs and sometimes spread to other parts of the body. Different cancers are due to different types of cells multiplying out of control. The most common types in the US are breast, prostate, lung, and bowel cancer, but there are many other types of cancer. Approximately 40% of people will develop cancer in their lifetime, which is a scary fact, but the treatments for cancer have improved tremendously over the years. Many cancers can be cured completely, particularly if caught early, so it's important to know about the signs to look out for and to seek medical advice early if you notice these. Any cancer fits into four stages, depending on the tumor size, whether it has spread, and how far. These are used to guide what treatment would be best. In Stage 1, the cancer is small and has not spread anywhere. Stage 2 is when the tumor is larger but hasn't spread. In Stage 3, the cancer is larger and has spread to nearby areas. Stage 4 is when the cancer has spread to other body parts and is known as metastatic cancer.

Cervical cancer
Condition

Cervical cancer

The cervix is known as the neck of the womb and is a narrow muscular opening connecting the vagina to the womb (uterus). Cancer can affect any part of the cervix. Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by certain strains of a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The risk of cervical cancer has been much reduced with both the US’s cervical screening program and the HPV vaccination program. It's a relatively uncommon cancer but receives a lot of attention as it is so easily prevented if early cell changes are caught and because it affects young women who are otherwise healthy and at low risk of other cancers.

Moles
Condition

Moles

A mole is usually a mid- or dark-brown flat mark (a junctional nevus), or a dome-shaped brown or flesh-colored bump (a dermal nevus). It should be neither itchy nor bothersome. You may have numerous moles, and they may run in your family. They may have been present for as long as you can remember, or since birth, although new moles can appear throughout childhood and even into your 20s, especially after recent sun exposure. People with certain skin types, such as those with pale skin, blue eyes, and red or blond hair, and who are likely to easily sunburn, are likely to be more at risk of concerning changes to moles.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Condition

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a type of blood cancer that develops from the lymphatic system. This system is a network of vessels throughout your body that work as part of your immune system, carrying fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, called lymphocytes, to where they detect a threat. In NHL, these lymphocytes become dysfunctional and multiply out of control. They can then collect in different areas of the lymphatic system known as the lymph glands, and this can cause swelling you can see and feel in certain areas of the body. The consequence is that the lymphatic system becomes less able to fight infections. NHL can occur at any age, but your chance of developing the condition increases as you get older, with over half of cases diagnosed in people over 65. It's fairly common in the US, within the top 10 most common cancers, and accounts for 4% of all cancers.

Prostate cancer
Condition

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the US, except for skin cancer. It mainly affects older men and is very common – about 13% of men will get it in their lifetime. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in men by the base of the bladder that produces seminal fluid, which helps sustain and transport sperm. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the gland change, causing abnormal growth and – like many cancers - it develops slowly over time and so may cause few, if any, symptoms initially. Prostate cancer is often confined within the prostate gland and causes little serious harm, although it may cause troublesome symptoms. However, it can spread to other organs and become life-threatening and so for this reason the sooner prostate cancer is found, the better the chances of treatment being effective.

Lung cancer
Condition

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US, and sadly, it often has a poor outlook. Cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue. This can cause a blockage in the airways or fluid on the lungs, making breathing difficult, and ultimately it can spread to other organs and cause widespread damage and threat to life. Smoking is the cause of most lung cancers – because smoking is so common, this makes lung cancer very common. Older people are more likely to be affected, and men more often than women. When cancer starts in the lungs, it is called primary lung cancer. Cancer spreading from another organ via the blood to the lungs is known as secondary lung cancer or metastatic cancer. Breast and bowel cancer often metastasize to the lungs unless they are diagnosed and treated early.

Anal cancer
Condition

Anal cancer

Cancer occurs when cells in our body multiply out of control, producing lots of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells don't function like normal cells should and can invade tissues or organs and can sometimes spread to other parts of the body. Anal cancer is cancer that is in the anus, which is the last few centimeters of the bowel and connects the bowel to the outside of the body (the last area your stool passes through when you go for a poop). It is not a common cancer; however, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases your risk of developing anal cancer. HPV is a virus passed on through sexual intercourse. Most people will be infected with HPV infection in their lifetime and the majority will not develop anal cancer. Both HPV infection and anal cancer are more common in people who have anal sex with a lot of different partners, those who smoke, those with a lowered immune system, or those who have had cervical, vulval, or vaginal cancer. The most common symptoms of anal cancer are bleeding, pain, itching, discharge and fecal incontinence (losing the ability to control when you poop). There are many more common causes of bleeding, pain and itching symptoms that are not anal cancer, so please don’t be worried if you have symptoms. We should be clear that anal cancer is rare. More subtle signs of cancer can be unexplained tiredness or loss of weight, night sweats or pain in your bones.

Sarcoma
Condition

Sarcoma

Sarcoma is a rare cancer affecting any part of the body. The most common type are soft tissue sarcomas which develop in muscle, nerves, fatty tissue, and blood vessels. The other types are bone sarcoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Over 10,000 people a year in the US are diagnosed with sarcoma, making it a rare cancer that affects men and women equally. Types of Sarcomas Bone Sarcomas Bone sarcomas are a diverse group of malignancies that originate from bone tissue, comprising several distinct subtypes with varying characteristics and treatment approaches. The main types of bone sarcomas include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is the most common type of primary bone cancer, typically arising in the long bones of the arms and legs. It predominantly affects children and young adults, with a peak incidence during adolescence. Osteosarcoma often presents as a painful swelling or mass near the affected bone and may be associated with pathological fractures. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, followed by biopsy for histological examination. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy, aimed at achieving local control and preventing metastases. Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer that primarily affects children and young adults. It commonly arises in the pelvis, femur, or ribs, although it can occur in any bone. Ewing sarcoma is characterized by aggressive growth and a propensity for metastases to other bones or organs. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and occasionally, fever. Diagnosis involves imaging studies and biopsy for histological analysis. Treatment usually consists of chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation therapy, depending on the extent of the disease and the presence of metastases. Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor that arises from cartilage cells within bones. It typically occurs in older adults and commonly affects the pelvis, femur, or shoulder. Chondrosarcoma is characterized by slow growth and a tendency to recur locally, although it has a lower risk of metastases than osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Diagnosis is established through imaging studies and biopsy. Treatment involves surgical resection of the tumor, with adjuvant therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy in some cases. Soft Tissue Sarcomas Soft tissue sarcomas are a diverse group of cancers that arise from various soft tissues in the body, including muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. These tumors encompass a wide range of subtypes, each with unique histological, molecular, and clinical features. Liposarcoma is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma, arising from fat cells (adipocytes). It typically occurs in the extremities, retroperitoneum, or trunk. Liposarcoma is classified into several subtypes, including well-differentiated, dedifferentiated, myxoid, and pleomorphic variants, each with distinct characteristics and prognosis. Leiomyosarcoma originates from smooth muscle cells and can arise in various locations, including the uterus, gastrointestinal tract, and soft tissues of the extremities. It is characterized by aggressive growth and a propensity for metastases. Fibrosarcoma arises from fibroblasts, which are cells that produce collagen and other structural proteins in connective tissue. It commonly affects the extremities, trunk, or head and neck region. Fibrosarcoma is characterized by a high recurrence rate and potential for metastases. Synovial sarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that typically arises near joints, especially in the extremities. Despite its name, it does not originate from synovial tissue. Synovial sarcoma is characterized by a unique chromosomal translocation and tends to affect young adults. It has a propensity for local recurrence and metastasis.

Melanoma (skin cancer)
Condition

Melanoma (skin cancer)

Melanoma (also known as malignant melanoma) is the most serious type of skin cancer caused by sun exposure. It's serious because the cancer can spread to other organs in the body, so it needs prompt identification and treatment. You can take steps to prevent it, but also keep a watch for any moles or other skin marks that are new, changing or don't look like your other moles. Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the US, with almost 100,000 new cases each year. The number of cases has doubled in the last 30 years, and it can occur at any age.

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