About Cancer

This guide will cover various types of cancers, their subtypes, and critical information to help you navigate the journey. Early detection is crucial. Learn more about the 8 signs you need to see an oncologist today.

Lung Cancer

One of the deadliest forms of cancer, lung cancer, is typically associated with smoking. However, non-smokers can also be affected by this life-threatening disease. Lung cancer can be bifurcated into two primary types:

1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Accounting for approximately 85% of cases, this is the most common type of lung cancer. NSCLC also includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous, and large-cell carcinoma. This type of lung cancer tends to grow more slowly and can be treated through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.
2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): SCLC accounts for about 15% of lung cancer cases and is more aggressive than NSCLC. It grows rapidly and often spreads to other body parts before being diagnosed. 

Prostate Cancer

A highly common type of cancer in men, prostate cancer typically starts affecting older individuals. This cancer begins in a small gland called the prostate, which is responsible for producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer can grow slowly and may not show any symptoms for years before diagnosis.

• Adenocarcinoma: Cancer cells developing in gland cells are called adenocarcinoma. Prostate cancers are majorly adenocarcinomas.
• Other subtypes: Some other rare prostate cancer types are small cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and transitional cell carcinoma. 

Prostate cancer treatment depends on the stage and severity. Options may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women worldwide. Typically, breast cells develop mutations, divide, and multiply rapidly. This cancer forms in the lobules, the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the pathways transporting milk to the nipples. Breast cancer is highly heterogeneous, and has different subtypes, each with its unique treatment.

1. Basal Type: Basal type breast cancer is also known as triple-negative breast cancer and lacks estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2 protein. This subtype is aggressive and does not respond to hormonal therapies, but chemotherapy has proven effective.
2. Luminal Type Breast Cancer: These cancers are subdivided into luminal A, and luminal B. Luminal A is slower-growing and has a better prognosi. In contrast,e luminal B grows faster and may require more aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy and targeted therapies.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal or colon cancer affects the colon or large intestine and is another leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Early detection of colorectal cancer through screening like colonoscopy is crucial for tracking the progress of the cancer cells and treatment. 

• Adenocarcinoma: Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas, starting in the mucus-producing cells of the colon or rectum.
• Other subtypes: These include gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), carcinoid tumors, and lymphoma, though they are far less common.

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, usually develops in the stomach lining. This type of cancer often goes undetected in the early stages due to vague symptoms.

1. Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma starts in the glandular cells of the stomach lining and is the most common form of stomach cancer.
2. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer is commonly associated with the lymph nodes, but it can occasionally develop in the stomach as a secondary location.
3. Carcinoid Tumors Cancer: This is a rare, slow-growing tumor that can form in the stomach and release hormones that cause systemic symptoms.
4. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Although rare in the stomach, this squamous cell carnicoma cancer develops from squamous cells and tends to be more aggressive.

Pancreatic Cancer

A life-threatening type of cancer, pancreatic cancer, is considered a deadly cancer due to its late detection. The pancreas is a vital organ producing enzymes that help digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar.

• Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and begins in the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas.
• Other types: Less common forms include pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), which affect the hormone-producing cells.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is often seen in individuals with chronic liver issues and diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis.

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): The most common form of liver cancer, HCC, begins in the liver’primaryin cells (hepatocytes).
• Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer): This less common cancer type starts in the bile ducts.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney or renal cancer often starts in the lining of the small kidney tubes. Kidney cancer can affect the organ’s capability to filter out waste from the blood and generate urine. Early detection of this type has led to decreased deaths from kidney cancer.

• Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): The most common form, RCC, is further divided into subtypes such as clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe.
• Wilms Tumor: This rare type of kidney cancer primarily affects children.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer starts when the urothelial cells begin to divide rapidly in the bladder lining. Bladder Cancer is a highly curable cancer type but tends to recur if not treated properly.

• Urothelial Carcinoma: This is the most common type of bladder cancer and begins in the cells that line the bladder.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma: These are less common but more aggressive types of bladder cancer.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus, the pathway carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. It falls into two categories:

• Adenocarcinoma:A widespreadn cancer, this type forms in the lower esophagus and is often linked to acid reflux or obesity.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Often associated with smoking and alcohol consumption, this type is more common in the upper esophagus.

Skin Cancer

The most common type of cancer, skin cancer, is usually caused due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Although this is the most common type of cancer, it is treatable with early detection and successful treatment.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is a slow-growing skin cancer type, often caused due to long-term sun exposure. This type of cancer rarely spreads to other organs.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type also results from sun exposure but is more likely to spread than basal cell carcinoma.
• Melanoma: The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma develops in the pigment-producing melanocytes and can spread quickly.

If you or a loved one needs specialized care, explore the top 10 cancer hospitals in Mumbai.