Types of Cancer

All through our lives, in our body, healthy cells divide and replace themselves in a pattern that is controlled by the body. Cancer introduces itself in our system when a cell gets altered so that it can multiply uncontrollably. A composure of such abnormal cells together in a cluster or mass is known as a tumour. Cancer cells continue to spread and grow by direct extension or by a process known as metastasis. Cells that are malignant travel through lymphatic or blood vessels forming new cells of tumours in other parts of the body. Now that we know what cancer is, we will learn about different types of cancer, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

First, let us know what the major types of cancer are:

1. Carcinomas – The most common type of cancer diagnosed mostly in breasts, skin, pancreas, lungs, and other organs and glands.

2. Lymphoma – It is a cancer of lymphocytes

3. Leukaemia – It is a cancer of the blood

4. Sarcoma – Cancer of the bone, muscle, blood vessel, fat, cartilage, and other connective and soft tissue of the body

5. Melanoma – Cancer of cells that make pigment in the skin

Let us get into details of causes, symptoms, and treatment of Carcinoma, lymphoma, and melanoma cancer.

1. Carcinoma

Carcinoma, also regarded as skin cancer, has two most common types that are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Carcinoma is a cancerous tumour of the epithelial tissue that is underneath the skin. This tissue is also present in blood vessels, digestive tract, and other organs. It indicates that carcinomas can affect other areas of the body besides the skin.

BCC is much more common than the Squamous cell. Merkel Cell carcinoma is another rare form of skin cancer. Carcinoma is diagnosed mostly in people who are above the age of 50 years. People who have white skin are more prone to Carcinoma.

Causes

• The primary cause of Carcinoma is the exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation (UV)

• Another significant risk is UV exposure from tanning beds and drying lamps in nail salons

• Having many large or irregular moles or freckles

• having an autoimmune disease such as lupus

• Weak immune system

• Consuming medicines that make skin photosensitive

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Symptoms

BCC and SCC are skin tumours, and they share specific characteristics. The appearance of these skin cancers can differ.

Carcinomas that have a flat surface can resemble healthy skin. Whenever you spot an unexpected abrasion, you must visit your healthcare professional for a check-up or monitoring.

Including its presence, a wound or lump can cause symptoms that are noticeable in its early stages. So, you might notice it before it becomes significant as it may itch, bleed, or cause pain.

Treatment

The treatment of this cancer depends on its type, size, stage, and location. Here are some of the treatment options

• Curettage and electrodesiccation

• Surgical excision

• Cryosurgery

• Topical chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy

• Laser therapy

2. Lymphoma

Lymphoma causes cancer of the lymphatic system. It develops white blood cells which are also known as lymphocytes. It helps fight disease in the body and play a vital role in body’s immune defences

This cancer can quickly metastasize or spread to other tissues and organs in the body. It has a high tendency to spread in lungs, bone marrow, and liver. Lymphoma can be developed in people of any age. It is mostly found in children and adults aged 15 to 24 years.

Causes

The exact cause of lymphoma is not known yet, but there are certain risk factors that you must be aware of 

• If you have immune system diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or celiac disease

• A weak immune system from organ transplant or HIV/AIDS.

• A close relative who has lymphoma

• Were exposed to benzene or chemicals that kill bugs

Symptoms

Symptoms of lymphoma include

• Swollen glands

• Shortness of breath

• Cough

• Night sweats

• Fever

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Itching

Treatment

Treatment of lymphoma include:

• Biologic therapy

• Antibody therapy

• Radioimmunotherapy

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy

• Steroids

• Stem cell transplantation

• Surg

3. Myeloma

Myeloma is a type of blood cancer. There is no permanent cure to it, but appropriate treatment can slow down its spread and make symptoms go away. When you have multiple myeloma white blood cells called plasma cell makes antibodies that fight infection multiply the wrong way. As the myeloma gets worse, the plasma cell spills out of bone marrow and spreads. It causes damage to the organs.

Causes

The exact cause is not known, but there are certain risk factors like:

• Age older than 65

• Overweight or obese

• Radiation exposure

• Contact with chemicals used in a rubber factory

Symptoms

You may not notice symptoms early; it may develop over time

• Weakness and fatigue

• Bone pain

• Weight loss

• Constipation

• Infections

• Thirst

Treatment

• Chemotherapy

• Corticosteroid

• Interferon

Prevention of Cancer 

With common symptoms of different kinds of cancers, it is better to know the preventive measures you must take. Since prevention is better than cure, you should not take any symptoms of cancer lightly. If you have had a fever for more than 3 to 4 days, you should immediately go to your doctor for a check-up. Below are some tips to reduce the risk of cancer: 

• Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating healthy food is essential to reduce the risks of cancer. Eat fruits and vegetables, and avoid junk food as much as you can. If you consume alcohol, drink it occasionally or in moderation as the chances of cancer will increase if you drink regularly.   

• Maintain Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight will diminish the risks of different types of cancers, such as kidney, lung, colon, and breast cancers. 

• Exercise Regularly 

To lower the risks of cancer, you should exercise regularly or at least indulge in some physical activity such as sports. You can start jogging, yoga, walking, and other activities to remain active all the time. It will also improve your stamina, leading to less fatigue. 

• Regular Medical Checkups

One of the best ways to lower your risks of cancer is to get medical care on a regular basis. Try to get a physical once a year and take screening tests to know about the signs. If a person has cancer, going through medical checkups regularly will help him/her discover the tumour at an early stage, increasing the chances of successful treatment.  

• Avoid Tobacco 

Consuming tobacco in any form puts you at risk of certain types of cancers. If you smoke regularly, try to quit it or reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke. Moreover, chewing tobacco is also harmful as it can cause cancer in the oral cavity and pancreas.  

• Protect Your Skin From Sunlight 

Since skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, you should protect your skin from UV rays. Whenever you are outside, try to walk in shade or wear clothes that cover most of your skin.  

Why You Should Know about the Types of Cancer – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment?

Knowing about the Types of Cancer – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment are quite necessary for everyone. If you know what type of cancers exist, you will be able to take appropriate measures to prevent them. You should have a clear understanding of the causes and symptoms of different cancers. This way, whenever you observe any of those symptoms in your body, you can immediately go to your doctor and discover the disease early. Moreover, once you know everything about the types, signs, and causes of cancer, you can start the treatment at an early stage. You can learn everything about the Types of Cancer from Vedantu’s e-learning platform for absolutely free. We do not charge you any registration fees to study the Types of Cancer and other concepts of biology on our website. So, you can start studying your revisions and exam preparation with Vedantu and achieve an excellent score in your finals.