| Plain and Simple What is Cancer? |
| Definition The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells derived from normal tissues, which eventually can cause death by spreading from the site of origin to other sites. There are an estimated 200 different kinds of cancers. Cancers that arise in epithelial cells (cells that form the outer surface of the body, line the body cavities, and line the principal tubes and passageways leading to the exterior) are called carcinomas; and those from mesenchymal tissues (connective tissues, blood and blood vessels, and the lymphatic system), are classed as sarcomas. Leukemias are also classed as malignant (cancerous and resisting treatment) growths. For information about a specific type of cancer see one of the following: |
| CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THESE NAMED FORMS OF CANER bile duct cancer brain tumor - metastatic brain tumor - primary brain tumor - secondary breast cancer bronchogenic carcinoma carcinoma of the stomach cancer of the testicle cancer and breast lumps cancer diet cancer of the cervix cancer of the esophagus cancer of the kidney or ureter cancer of the ovaries cancer of the penis cancer of the perineum cancer of the prostate throat cancer cancer of the vulva carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter carcinoma of the testes colon cancer endometrial cancer gastric cancer liver cancer lung cancer metastatic cancer to the lung oral cancer pancreatic cancer renal cell carcinoma skin cancer - malignant melanoma squamous cell carcinoma Wilms' tumor neuroblastoma Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Hodgkin's lymphoma multiple myeloma thyroid - medullary carcinoma thyroid cancer acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) See also: tumor |
| Note: The American Cancer Society lists cancer warning signs, including: a change in bowel or bladder habits a sore that does not heal unusual bleeding or drainage thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere indigestion or swallowing difficulty a change in a wart or mole persistent cough or hoarseness |
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| MORE LINKS TO INFORMATION AB0UT THE DEFINITION OF C A N C E R |
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