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.