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Announcements
General Announcements
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General Discussion
This is place for discussing topics not necessarily related to cancer. Been binge watching a show? Want to show off your hobby? Let everyone know about it here.
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General Cancer
This is a place for discussion topics that may relate to people at any point in their cancer journey. Whatever you discuss here doesn't have to be about one specific type of cancer.
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Adrenal Cortical Cancer
Adrenal cortical cancer (also known as adrenal cortex carcinoma) affects the adrenal gland, which produces adrenaline, noradrenaline, and steroid hormones. It is extremely rare, with fewer than 500 new diagnoses per year in the United States. Risk factors for adrenal cortical cancer are not known. It is not associated with typical carcinogens, such as smoking, and the disease does not run in families. Survival rates vary depending on the stage of discovery, but the average five-year survival rate is around 40%. Adrenal cortical cancer affects adults and children and is often discovered when the tumor causes excess secretion of hormones. Symptoms of adrenal cortical cancer include the development of nonstandard sex characteristics and early puberty in children. The stages of adrenal cortical cancer range from I to IV depending on tumor size and spread. The most common treatment for adrenal cortical cancer is surgery, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation.
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Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is cancer of the anus, which is connected to the end of the large intestine. Types include squamous cell carcinoma, clonogenic carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and certain skin cancers. Just over 6,000 new cases of anal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. The five-year survival rate for anal cancer differs for men and women: for men, it is approximately 60%; for women, it is above 70%. There are several risk factors for developing anal cancer: smoking, a large number of sexual partners, and anal intercourse. Individuals who are female, over 50, and have been infected by the human papillomavirus (HPV) are also at higher risk. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, lumps; itching or unusual discharge from the anus, and change in bowel habits. The stages of anal cancer range from zero to IV, depending on tumor size and spread. Anal cancer treatments usually include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
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Bile Duct (Cholangiocarcinoma) Cancer
Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) forms in the small tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Bile duct cancers are grouped according to where along the length of the duct it occurs and include: intrahepatic bile duct cancers, perihilar bile duct cancers and distal bile duct cancers. Fewer than 3,000 new cases of bile duct cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. Survival rates vary depending on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. Two thirds of bile duct cancer cases are diagnosed in patients over the age of 65. Other risk factors include: inflammation and scar tissue formation in the ducts; bile duct stones and cysts; liver disease; obesity; and family history. Early stage bile duct cancer typically has no symptoms. Later stage symptoms include fever, weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, and itchy skin. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
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Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is cancer of the bladder. In the majority of cases, the cancer forms in the inner lining of the bladder, but it can occasionally develop on the exterior or in nerve cells. Bladder cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States, with nearly 75,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Most bladder cancers are diagnosed early and have a five-year survival rate approaching 70%. Though it can occur at any age, 90% of bladder cancers are diagnosed in adults over the age of 55. Men are approximately three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. The most common risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking. Symptoms include lower back pain, blood in the urine, an increased urge to urinate, and pain during urination. The stages of bladder cancer range from zero to IV, depending on tumor size and how widely it has spread. Bladder cancer is frequently treated with surgery, but patients may also undergo drug, biological, and radiation therapies.
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Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
Brain and spinal cord tumors are cancers of the central nervous system. There are many types, but the most common are gliomas and meningiomas. Other types include medulloblastomas, gangliogliomas, schwannomas, and craniopharyngiomas. Nearly 23,000 new cases of malignant brain and spinal cord tumors are diagnosed in the United States each year. Survival rates vary depending on the tumor type, location, and how widely it has spread. Most types of brain and spinal cord tumors do not have a direct cause. Risk factors include radiation exposure and certain genetic and immune disorders. Symptoms of brain tumors may include headaches, seizures, and changes in mood, behavior, or mental function. Symptoms of spinal cord tumors include weakness in the legs, loss of coordination, and reduced control of the bladder or bowels. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, drug therapy, or a combination of these.
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Breast Cancer
There are several types of breast cancer, but most are invasive ductal carcinomas. These originate in the milk ducts before spreading to other parts of the breast. Other types of breast cancer include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which originates in milk ducts but has not yet spread; and invasive lobular carcinoma, which starts in milk-producing glands. Symptoms of breast cancer can include: the presence of a lump, swelling of all or part of a breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, nipple retraction, redness, and nipple discharge other than breast milk. Breast cancer is often treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and/or chemotherapy. The survival rate for breast cancer varies depending on the stage of diagnosis, type of treatment, and other factors.
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Breast Cancer in Men
Although men are less likely to develop breast cancer than women, they do have breast tissue and can therefore develop breast cancer. Types include ductal carcinoma in situ, infiltrating ductal carcinoma, infiltrating lobular carcinoma, Paget disease of the nipple, and inflammatory breast cancer. Risk factors of breast cancer in men include: family history, inherited gene mutations, extra X chromosomes (Klinefelter syndrome), radiation exposure, heavy drinking, liver disease, estrogen treatment, obesity, testicular conditions, and occupational exposure to high temperatures and gasoline fumes. Early detection of breast cancer is usually found in men who have a family history of breast cancer that undergo genetic counseling and testing to detect BRCA mutation. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Survival rates of breast cancer in men are high if the cancer is found early and declines in later stages.
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Bone Cancer
Bone cancer is a rare cancer that is distinguished as cancer that begins in bone cells, as opposed to bone marrow (leukemia), or metastatic cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body. Chondrosarcomas develop in cartilage cells and are more common in adults. Osteosarcomas develop in bone cells and are more common in children. Survival rates for bone cancer vary, depending on type and stage, but the average five-year survival rate is approximately 70%. Risk factors for bone cancer are often associated with other diseases, such as Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, and other disease treatments, such as radiation therapy. Symptoms of bone cancer include pain, swelling, and possibly a lump in the area of the tumor. The stages of bone cancer range from I to IV depending on tumor size and spread. The most common treatment for bone cancer is surgery. Though most bone cancers do not respond strongly to radiation treatments, they are occasionally used in conjunction with surgery.
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Caregivers
This is a place for discussion topics that relate to care partners and those supporting loved ones with cancer.
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Cancer of Unknown Primary
Cancers of unknown primary refer to cancer with an unclear origin and are grouped according to the type of cancer cell. Squamous cell cancers, found in the skin and linings of certain organs, are the most common. Around 31,000 cases of cancer of unknown primary are diagnosed in the United States each year. The five-year survival rates for cancers of unknown primary vary. Because of its nature, risk factors are difficult to assess. Autopsies show that many cancers of unknown primary start in the pancreas, lungs, kidneys, throat, larynx, or esophagus – organs that are susceptible to smoking. Cancers of unknown origin that begin in the stomach, colon, or rectum point to diet and obesity as risk factors. Symptoms of cancer of unknown primary include swollen lymph nodes, lingering pain, change in bowel or bladder habits, fever or night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and persistent cough. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
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Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina. There are two types of cervical cancer: cervical squamous cell carcinomas are the most common and originate in the surface cells of the cervix, while less common cervical adenocarcinomas originate in the gland cells of the cervix. Around 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, and the five-year survival rate is above 70%. Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is detectable through screenings during regular gynecological visits. Other risk factors include smoking, compromised immune system, Chlamydia infection, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and multiple pregnancies. Symptoms include heavy or watery vaginal discharge; heavy or prolonged periods; and unexpected vaginal bleeding. Cervical cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
This is a place for discussion topics that relate to people living with CLL.
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Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer occurs in either the colon or rectum portions of the large intestine and is sometimes referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include a change in bowel habits that last for more than a few days, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool. Other symptoms include rectal bleeding, dark stools, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss. Most colorectal cancers begin as benign but pre-cancerous, adenomatous polyps. Colorectal cancer is most often treated with surgery, but more advanced stages may also be treated with radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Survival rates for colorectal cancer can vary depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed, the treatment received, and other factors.
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Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
This is a place for discussion topics that relate to people living with DLBCL.
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Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is cancer of the uterus. The majority of endometrial cancers form in the endometrium, or lining, of the uterus. Over 47,000 new cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. The five-year survival rate of endometrial cancer is almost 70%; it is even higher during the early stages of the disease, which is when most women are diagnosed. There are no known specific causes, but risk factors include obesity, certain hormone therapies, age, and a higher number of menstrual cycles over a woman's lifetime. A woman's risk is lowered if she has taken birth control pills, or has been pregnant. Symptoms of endometrial cancer include pelvic pain; unexpected vaginal bleeding; and difficulty urinating. The stages of endometrial cancer range from zero to IV, depending on tumor size and spread. The majority of endometrial cancers are treatable with surgery, although chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy may also be used.
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Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer occurs in the tissues of the esophagus, the long tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This cancer usually begins in cells that line the inside of the esophagus, and then spreads outward through other layers as it grows. The type of esophageal cancer is determined based on the type of cells involved and includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and rarer types. Esophageal cancer has a yearly diagnosis rate of 4 in every 100,000 people in the United States. Risk factors include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, acid reflux, and obesity. Early stages are typically asymptomatic but can include difficulty or pain in swallowing, unintentional weight loss, indigestion, chronic coughing, and loss of voice. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
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Eye Cancer
Eye cancer is cancer of the tissues in and around the eye. The most common type of eye cancer is melanoma, which forms in pigment-causing skin cells. Less common types include hemangioma, intraocular lymphoma, and retinoblastoma. Eye cancer is rare, with around 3,500 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. The five-year survival rate of eye cancer is around 80% and decreases with the stage of eye cancer diagnosed. Symptoms include changes in vision; seeing flashing lights, floaters, or squiggles; and the appearance of dark spots on the iris. Risk factors include age, personal history of cancer, and family history. Exposure to sunlight and certain chemicals may also be risk factors, but research has been inconclusive. White people are more likely to be diagnosed with eye cancer. Many eye cancers are observed for changes over time rather than treated immediately, but further treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and laser therapy.
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Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is rare and usually forms in the innermost tissues of the gallbladder. The majority of gallbladder cancers are adenocarcinomas, which originate in gland cells or display gland-cell-like structures. Gallbladder cancer affects more women than men, is more common in people over age 65, and has a high incidence among Mexican Americans and Native Americans. Less than 10,000 new patients are diagnosed each year in the United States. Gallbladder cancer is difficult to diagnose because it often develops asymptomatically. Gallbladder cancer symptoms may include fever, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), bloating or lumps in the abdomen, and pain just above the stomach. The stages of gallbladder cancer range from I to IV depending on tumor size and spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, removal of the gallbladder and/or part of the liver, or a combination of these.
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Head & Neck/Throat Cancer
Head & Neck/Throat cancer refers to cancers that affect the larynx (voice box), esophagus, and surrounding tissues. It may also be referred to as laryngeal, pharyngeal, or hypopharyngeal cancer. The majority of throat cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which are cancers of the thin, flat cells that line the larynx and hypopharynx. Fewer than 15,000 new cases of throat cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year and the five-year survival rate is often above 50%. The biggest risk factor for throat cancer is tobacco use. Excessive alcohol use is also a predominant risk factor for throat cancer, and the combination of alcohol and tobacco increases that risk exponentially. Symptoms of throat cancer include a persistent cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and changes in voice. The stages of throat cancer range from zero to IV. Throat cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
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Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin disease) is cancer of the immune system's lymph tissue. The majority of cases are classical Hodgkin's disease, while just 5% of cases are nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease. Around 9,000 new cases of Hodgkin's disease are diagnosed in the United States each year, and the five-year survival rate approaches 90%. The majority of patients are between ages 15 and 40. Risk factors include a family history of the disease, HIV infection, and previous cases of "mono" – mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms include fever, chills, and night sweats; loss of appetite and weight loss; and painless swelling of the lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue. The stages of Hodgkin's disease range from I to IV, depending on the number of lymph nodes affected and whether or not the disease has spread. The majority of patients diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease are treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
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Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer forms in the tissues of the kidney. The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma, which originates in the tiny tubes that help filter toxins out of the blood. A small percentage of kidney cancers are renal pelvis carcinomas, which form in the center of the kidney where urine collects. Both types of kidney cancer are treatable and have a five-year survival rate of around 65%. Risk factors for developing kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, occupational exposures to asbestos, herbicides, and the metal cadmium. Family history is also a strong indicator, especially in those whose siblings developed kidney cancer. Symptoms of kidney cancer include bloody urine, abdominal lumps, side pain, and unexpected weight loss. The stages of kidney cancer range from I to IV, depending on tumor size and spread. Kidney cancer treatments include surgery, targeted therapy, biological therapy, or a combination of these.
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Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells and is characterized by blood cells that grow abnormally and/or uncontrollably. There are four main types of leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). AML is the most common form of leukemia in adults, and ALL is the most common form in children. More than 45,000 new cases of leukemia are diagnosed in the United States each year, and survival rates vary depending on the patient's age, the type of leukemia, and the diagnosis stage. Causes of leukemia include smoking and occupational exposure to benzene or high levels of radiation. Men have a higher risk of developing leukemia than women. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplantation.
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Liver Cancer
Liver cancer begins in the liver and is often referred to as "primary liver cancer." This is different from "metastatic liver cancer," which spreads to the liver from elsewhere in the body and is usually named for its source. Liver cancers typically develop in cells that filter toxins from the blood. Less than 30,000 new cases of liver cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. Liver cancer survival rates vary depending on the stage of discovery and type of treatment. Liver cancer is most common in adults over the age of 60, and men are three times more susceptible than women. Advanced-stage liver cancer symptoms include loss of appetite; fatigue; nausea; pain, swelling, or a lump in the upper abdomen. The most common risk factors for liver cancer are hepatitis infection and heavy alcohol consumption. The stages of liver cancer range from I to IV, depending on tumor size and spread. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.
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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer usually forms in the cells that line the airways. Symptoms of lung cancer may include a cough that does not go away, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, loss of appetite, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Most types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancers, though, some patients develop the less common small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer spreads more quickly and is most often treated with chemotherapy, sometimes in combination with radiation therapy. Non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or targeted therapies. Survival rates for non-small cell lung cancer and for small cell lung cancer vary depending on the stage at which the cancer is caught and other factors.
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Lung Carcinoid Tumor
Lung carcinoid tumors are rare cancerous masses in the lungs. The majority of lung carcinoid tumors are typical, which grow slowly and seldom spread outside the lungs. The rarer atypical lung carcinoid tumors grow more rapidly. Around 4,000 new cases of lung carcinoid tumors are diagnosed each year in the United States, and survival rates vary slightly depending on the tumor type and stage when it is discovered. Typical carcinoids have a five-year survival rate between 85 and 90%, and atypical carcinoids between 50 and 70%. Unlike other cancers of the lungs, the risk of developing lung carcinoid tumors is not associated with tobacco use. They are more common in women and in Caucasians. Lung carcinoid tumors are often asymptomatic, but when symptoms are present they may include: coughing, wheezing, bloody phlegm, bronchial infection, or shortness of breath. Lung carcinoid tumor treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of several of these.
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Mantle Cell Lymphoma
This is a place for discussion topics that relate to people living with MCL.
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Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs in the body. The type of mesothelioma is determined by what part is affected. The more common malignant pleural mesothelioma mostly affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs. The less common peritoneal/pericardial mesothelioma affects tissue in the abdomen, around the heart, and around the testicles. Many cases of mesothelioma are caused by occupational exposure to inhaled asbestos particles. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take 20-50 years to appear and include: trouble breathing, persistent cough, rib pain, swelling in the abdomen, fluid buildup in the lungs, unexpected weight loss, and anemia. There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment options focusing on enhancing prognosis include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Biologic therapy using the patient’s immune system is currently being tested for its safety and efficacy.
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Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is cancer of the cells that make plasma in the bone marrow. When these abnormal plasma cells build up in the bone, they can form tumors: a single tumor is a plasmacytoma; more than one is referred to as multiple myeloma. Around 22,000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Survival varies greatly depending on the stage at which the cancer is caught. Multiple myeloma is more common in males, African-Americans, and people over 65. Other risk factors include obesity, occupational exposure to radiation or certain toxins, and family history. Early stages of multiple myeloma may not present symptoms; advanced stages may cause bone damage, kidney failure, anemia, and high calcium levels. The stages of multiple myeloma range from I to III, depending on the presence of certain proteins in the blood. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, drug therapy, biological therapy, radiation, stem cell transplantation, or a combination of these.
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Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (also referred to as NHL) is cancer of the lymphoid tissues, which are part of the body's immune system. There are more than 30 different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, often making classification difficult. The disease is typically divided into two categories: indolent (slow-growing) and aggressive (fast-growing). Around 70,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are diagnosed in the United States each year. The five-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma varies but is generally above 60%. The majority of patients are over age 60 and/or individuals with a weakened immune system. Symptoms include fevers, chills, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, abdominal or chest pain, weight loss, and itching. The stages of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma range from I to IV, depending on tumor size and how it has spread. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplant.
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Ovarian and Fallopian Tube Cancer
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive glands that produce eggs. The majority of ovarian tumors are epithelial, which form in the cells covering the surface of the ovary. Other types include germ cell tumors, which originate in the cells that manufacture eggs; and stromal tumors, which form in the tissues that produce female hormones. Around 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Survival rates vary depending on the stage at which the cancer is caught. Ovarian cancer usually occurs in women over age 50. Risk factors include: early menopause, women who have not been pregnant, do not take birth control pills, or have a family history. Early stages have few symptoms; later-stage symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, vaginal bleeding, abnormal periods, nausea, and sudden changes in weight. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
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Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is cancer of the pancreas, the organ that aids digestion in the small intestine and regulates blood sugar. There are two types of pancreatic cancer: exocrine tumors form in exocrine cells, which produce enzymes that break down food; endocrine tumors form in endocrine cells, which produce the hormones insulin and glucagon. Exocrine tumors are more common than endocrine tumors, and more frequently malignant. Around 44,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States; five-year survival rates vary depending on the stage at which the cancer is caught. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, and age. Early stages generally do not present symptoms but may include: yellowing of the eyes and skin, abdominal and back pain, dark urine, pale stool, weight loss, and fatigue. The stages of pancreatic cancer range from I to IV, depending on tumor size and spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
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Penile Cancer
Penile cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the penis. It typically forms on the glans (head) of the penis, or on the foreskin, less commonly appearing on the shaft. Symptoms are generally related to changes in the skin and include swelling, lumps, crusty bumps or ulcers, a red rash, thickening of the skin, and unexpected discharge. Risk factors include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, being uncircumcised, phimosis (difficulty retracting foreskin), smoking, age, and HIV infection. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
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Pituitary Tumors
Pituitary tumors are found in the pituitary gland, located just above the nasal passages in the skull. The pituitary gland is small, but very important to body function, as it produces hormones that control the endocrine system. Pituitary tumors are typically benign (non-cancerous), but because of their cramped location, can cause major health problems. They might, for instance, press on important nerve pathways, invade the surrounding brain or sinus tissue, and cause excess hormone production. The most common type of pituitary tumor is called a pituitary adenoma and they have classifications based on size, location, and whether they cause excess hormone production. Risk factors include a family history of pituitary tumors and certain types of genetic syndromes. Not all pituitary tumors are treated immediately but are instead monitored for growth and effects on the body. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and meditation therapy.
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Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland, which produces much of the fluid that makes up semen. Early prostate cancer usually doesn't cause any symptoms, but more advanced symptoms include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or impotence. Many cases of prostate cancer are not immediately treated but monitored closely for signs of growth or disease advancement. In some cases, prostate cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and/or vaccine therapy. The survival rate for prostate cancer varies depending on the stage of diagnosis, type of treatment, and other factors.
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Rare Cancers
Rare cancers are defined in the United States as cancers that are diagnosed in fewer than 40,000 people per year. These types of cancers are varied in their presentation and can affect different body systems -- for example, the kidneys, bones, vascular system, or endocrine system. Some examples of rare cancers include chondrosarcoma in the bones, cancer of the appendix, pheochromocytoma in the endocrine system, and soft-tissue desmoid tumors. Symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and prognosis all vary depending on the type of cancer. Rare cancers are often misdiagnosed as an unrelated conditions first, which can lead to delays in treatment for patients.
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Skin Cancer - Lymphoma
Lymphomas of the skin (also called cutaneous lymphomas) are cancers of the white blood cells that primarily involve the skin. There are two variations, which refer to the type of white blood cells involved: the more common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and the less-common cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. There are more specific subcategories of each, such as mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome. Symptoms include itching, redness, scaly plaques on the skin, pain, and sometimes tumor growth. Most cutaneous lymphomas are slow-growing and non-life-threatening but require close monitoring and treatment to relieve symptoms. Treatment depends on the type of cutaneous lymphoma involved and can include skin creams, infusions, ingested medications, radiation therapy, or light exposure therapy.
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Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, cells that are the pigment that gives skin color. Signs of melanoma can include a new spot on the skin or a spot that has changed in size, shape, or color. Another sign is the "ugly duckling sign" which is a spot on the skin that looks different from all the other spots. Skin cancer in general – including melanoma, basal cell skin cancer, and squamous cell skin cancer – is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Melanoma can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. The survival rate for melanoma skin cancer can vary depending on the stage of diagnosis, type of treatment, and other factors.
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Skin Cancer - Non-Melanoma
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed of all cancers. The more common basal cell skin cancer forms in the deeper basal cell layer of the skin, while the less common squamous cell skin cancer forms in the flat cells that are found more superficially in the skin. These cancers are most common in sun-exposed areas of the skin. Symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer can include abnormal spots on the skin which may be shiny or scaly and may be different in color than the surrounding area. They may bleed easily or even cause pain. Non-melanoma skin cancer is most often treated with surgery or other local therapy, but radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and/or systemic chemotherapy can also be used. The survival rate for non-melanoma skin cancer is excellent but can vary depending on the stage of diagnosis, type of treatment, and other factors.
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Small Intestine Cancer
Small intestine cancer is cancer of the small intestine. Although there are several types of cancer that occur inside the small intestine, the type most commonly associated with small intestine cancer is adenocarcinoma. These most often occur in the cells that line the duodenum, the beginning portion of the small intestine. Just over 8,000 new cases of small intestine cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Most small intestine cancer diagnoses are in people over age 60. Other risk factors for developing small intestine cancer include a diet high in fat; Crohn's or celiac disease; and genetics. Symptoms of small intestine cancer include abdominal lumps or pain, unexpected weight loss, and bloody stool. The stages of small intestine cancer range from zero to IV, depending on tumor size and spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
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Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Adult soft tissue sarcoma is a cancer of soft tissues such as nerves, fat, muscle, blood vessels, fibrous tissues, or deep skin tissues. Although it is mostly found in the arms and legs, this cancer can be found in any part of the body, including a patient's head, neck, and trunk. Over 11,000 new cases of adult soft tissue sarcoma are diagnosed in the United States each year. The five-year survival rate varies depending on at what stage the cancer is diagnosed. Risk factors associated with adult soft tissue sarcomas include genetics, occupational exposure to radiation and certain chemicals, and past radiation cancer treatments. Adult soft tissue sarcoma symptoms include swelling or lumps; pain; stomach or intestine blockage; and gastrointestinal bleeding. The stages of adult soft tissue sarcoma range from I to IV, depending on tumor size and spread. Adult soft tissue sarcoma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
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Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is cancer of the stomach. In the majority of cases, stomach cancer is an adenocarcinoma, which forms in the innermost layer of the stomach. More than 21,000 new cases of stomach cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Stomach cancer is more common in men, and nearly 70% of patients are over age 65. Additional risk factors for stomach cancer include smoking; a diet rich in salted, smoked, or pickled foods; and a family history. Individuals who have had the helicobacter pylori bacterial infection (the primary cause of ulcers) are also at an increased risk. Early stomach cancer usually does not present symptoms, but later-stage symptoms include difficulty swallowing, bloody stool, weight loss, jaundice, and nausea and vomiting. The stages of stomach cancer range from zero to IV, depending on tumor size and how widely it has spread. Stomach cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
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Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is cancer of the testicles, the glands that produce sperm and testosterone in men. The most common testicular cancers are germ cell tumors, which start in the cells that make sperm. Though it is the most commonly occurring cancer in men 15 to 34 years old, testicular cancer is rare, with around 8,600 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. The disease is highly treatable with a five-year survival rate of approximately 95%. In addition to mainly affecting young men, risk factors for developing testicular cancer include abnormal testicle development; a family history of testicular cancer; and being Caucasian. Symptoms include swelling, lumps, fluid build-up, and discomfort in the testicular area. The stages of testicular cancer range from I to III, depending on tumor size and spread. Testicular cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
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Thymus Cancer
Thymoma and thymic carcinoma (also known as thymic cancer) are rare cancers of the thymic gland, which is located at the base of the neck, just above and behind the breastbone. The thymic gland is part of the endocrine system that produces white blood cells to help fight infections. Thymoma is slow-growing cancer that rarely leaves the thymus, while thymic carcinoma typically grows quickly and can spread to other parts of the body. Thymic cancer is often diagnosed via chest x-ray for an unrelated condition and sometimes presents alongside myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune conditions. Thymic cancer may not present with symptoms but can include lingering cough, shortness of breath and chest pain, difficulty speaking, and swelling in the chest, neck, or face. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Immunotherapy that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer is also being evaluated for safety and efficacy.
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Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is cancer of the hormone-producing organ that helps control weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type, and it does not grow rapidly or spread quickly to surrounding tissue. Less common is follicular thyroid cancer, which can travel to other areas of the body. Medullary and anaplastic are rare forms of thyroid cancer. Nearly 50,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year and have a five-year survival rate approaching 100%. It usually occurs in people aged 20 to 55 and is more common in women. Risk factors include occupational radiation exposure, diets low in iodine, a family history of thyroid cancer, and being of Asian descent. Symptoms include neck and throat pain, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and a bump or lump on the neck. Thyroid cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, radioactive iodine, hormone therapy, or a combination of these.
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Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is cancer that occurs in the tissues around the vagina, also called the birth canal. The more common vaginal squamous cell carcinoma begins in the thin, flat cells that line the vagina, while the less common vaginal adrenal carcinoma begins in fluid-producing glands that line the vagina. The cause of this cancer is unknown, but the majority of cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 60. Risk factors include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, having a hysterectomy, and exposure to the anti-miscarriage drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) while in the womb. DES was used in the 1950s and is linked to a form of vaginal cancer called clear-cell adenocarcinoma. Symptoms include lumps in the vaginal area, pain during intercourse, unexpected vaginal bleeding, pain during urination, and constipation. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Immunotherapy using the patient's immune system to treat cancer is also being evaluated for safety and efficacy.
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Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer is cancer that occurs in the tissue around the urethra and vagina, called the vulva. The more common vulvar squamous cell carcinoma begins in the thin, flat cells on the surface of the vulva, while the less common vulvar melanoma begins in pigment-producing cells of the skin. The cause of this cancer is unknown, but the majority of cases are diagnosed in women around the age of 65. Risk factors include: smoking, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, weakened immune system, and a history of skin conditions involving the vulva. Symptoms include itching, pain, unexpected bleeding, color changes or thickening of the skin and lumps, wart-like bumps, or open sores. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
