How Many Types Of Cancer? A Complete Guide

To many people, the word “cancer” means a deadly disease. In truth, cancer is just a word for over 100 different diseases with their own traits, and causes and treatments. Cancer can touch almost any organ or tissue in the body, and its makeup ranges widely, according to where and when it arises and its biological profile.

In this extensive guide, we cover the main categories of cancer by the part of the body or system that they develop in. Whether you are trying to learn about cancer for your loved ones or researching your own diagnosis, clarity is one of our goals for this blog.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease when cells in the body grow out of control, either in a mass (in which case it is called a tumour, with the exception of cancers of the blood like leukaemia, in which malformed cells flow through the blood). These cells can grow into nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

How Many Cancers Are There?

As a classification according to organ, system, and histology, there are more than 100-200 types of cancer. They are further divided by genetic profile, cell origin and mutation patterns — this is in part why modern cancer treatment has become a disease of one.

Whether it is a common cancer such as breast or lung or rare ones such as thymus or eye cancer - the more one is aware of the various types, the earlier they can be identified early and acted upon to improve the end result.

Symptoms of Cancer

People experience symptoms of cancer differently due to variations in type and stage of the disease.

Potential symptoms of cancer include:

• Tiredness.
• Fever occurring almost exclusively during the nighttime.
• Reduced food intake.
• Sweats occurring during sleep.
• Chronic discomfort.
• Changes in the skin, particularly moles that undergo metamorphosis in shape and size or appear anew.
• Weight loss that is unexplained.

In certain situations, cancer could give the additional symptoms of certain specific organs. Such as:

• Blood in your urine or in your stool.
• Changes in mole on the skin’s surface and its color, shape or dimensions.
• The development of new lumps or bumps.

This is not an exhaustive list. And the presence of these indicators does not from the out set mean cancer. Cancer is an intricate disease to deal with. It is possible to harbor cancer for years undetected, while other times it could display rapidly worsening signs. As a general principle, it is best to inform a physician any time there is a change in your body that persists longer than a fortnight.

Types of Cancer: जानिए कैंसर के कितने प्रकार होते हैं?

The types of major cancer are listed below according to their body system of occurrences:

1. Head and Neck Cancers

These are squamous cancers of the moist areas of the head and neck that are located on the head and the neck.

• Oral & Oropharyngeal Cancer: Unaccountable development of the mouth, tongue, throat or tonsils. It can lead to ulcers or difficulty in swallowing or change of voice.
• Nasopharyngeal Cancer: It is initiated at the back of the upper throat, behind the nose. It can cause nose stuffiness, infections in the ear or lumps in the neck.
• Laryngeal Cancer: Occurs at the voice box. Common among them include voice hoarseness and difficulty in breathing.
• Salivary Gland Cancer: Starts at the glands which make saliva thereby impairing the facial nerves and causing swollen cheeks.

2. Cancers in the Digestive System

These start either anywhere in the digestive tract or organs.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: The cancerous cells are developed in the lining of the stomach that is usually caused by H. pylori infection.
• Colorectal Cancer: It originates in the colon or rectum; it typically originates in noncancerous polyps.
• Esophageal Cancer: This cancer develops when abnormal cells develop in the esophagus making it hard to swallow.
• Liver Cancer: It is frequently caused by the persistent liver diseases; liver is unable to purify the toxins.
• Pancreatic Cancer: Islands the enzymes and hormone production. It is virulent and quiet at an early age.
• Gallbladder Cancer: Gallbladder cancer starts in the inner wall of a gallbladder; usually diagnosed when the symptoms are vague.

3. Cancers Of Urinary System

These impact on bladder, urethra, kidneys and ureters.

• Bladder Cancer: These are cancer cells that grow on the lining of the bladder and usually lead to the presence of the blood in urine.
• Kidney Cancer: The cancer begins in the small tubes within the kidneys; the common symptoms are back pains and weaknesses.
• Wilms Tumor: A cancer of the kidneys; a tumor of the abdomen that occurs in childhood; detected as a lump on the stomach.

4. Lung and Chests Cancers

Lung cancer and Chest cancer interfere with breathing and exchange of oxygen.

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type, cancer develops at a low pace and it can spread.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): It grows very fast and is normally due to smoking.
• Mesothelioma: Starts in the outer layer of the lung (pleura), occurs as a result of exposure of asbestos mainly.

 5. Breast Cancer

It begins in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast.

• Ductal Carcinoma: It originates in the ducts; it can cause a lump or a discharge of the nipple.
• Lobular Carcinoma: They begin in the lobules; they may be difficult to see on mammograms.
• Male Breast Cancer: It is unusual and exhibits as lump or pulls in the breast by the nipple in men.

 6. Cancer of Reproductive System

These have an influence of fertility and hormone organs.

• Cervical Cancer: HPV; develops in the cervix and may grow to the uterus or the vagina.
• Ovarian Cancer: It starts in the ovaries; its symptoms are so dull to the extent that it is detected late.
• Endometrial Cancer: A disease that begins in the lining of the uterus causing it to bleed abnormally.
• Prostate Cancer: It is common in men; it involves the gland that produces semen in the body.
• Testicular Cancer: Occurs in men in their youth; can be cured early.
• Penile Cancer: Touches tissues and the skin of the penis; is caused by HPV.

7. Cancer in the Endocrine System

The source is the glands which produce hormones.

• Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cells develop this type of cancer; this type of cancer is mostly known as a lump on the neck.
• Adrenal Cancer: There is an over production of hormones; it can impact on blood pressure and weight.
• Neuroendocrine tumor: Low-velocity gathering of in the pancreas, the lung or gut that generates excess hormones.

8. Skin Cancers

Starting with the epidermis of the skin which is usually as a result of exposure to the sun.

• Basal Cell carcinoma: Basal Cell carcinoma is slow, spreading rarely.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This may cause the spread to the other organs which may be fatal unless treated.
• Melanoma: The most threatening one, originates in pigment cells; is fast-spreading.
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Incidence rare, but very malignant; begins in touch receptor cells of the skin.

9. Sarcomas Bone and Soft Tissue Cancer

They occur in the connective tissues.

• Osteosarcoma: The tumor of the bone forming cells; occurs among the teens and young adults.
• Ewing Sarcoma: Hits on the bones or the tissues that surround bones.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: Developed in the skeletal muscle cells; occurs mostly in the children.
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Begins with fat, nerves, or blood vessel; it can feel swollen or pain.

10. Eye Cancers

Uncommon yet vision threatening.

• Ocular Melanoma: it occurs in the cells that produce pigments within the eye.
• Retinoblastoma: It occurs in children; it is identified in a picture as a white eye reflex.

 11. Cancer of the Brain and the Nervous System

These get in the way of mental and physical performance.

• Glioblastoma: very fast-growing cancer of the brain in adults.
• Astrocytoma: Grows in a glial cells star-shaped form.
• Medulloblastoma: It impairs the performance of brain and balance of children.
• Neuroblastoma: It is caused by the untidiest nerve cells of the babies.

12. Cancer of the Blood and Lymphatic system

Influence the immunity and blood formation.

• Leukemia: Begins by growing in the bone marrow; causes abnormal growth of white cells.
• Lymphoma: Lymphatic cancer; with the ability to spread to the other organs.
• Multiple Myeloma: It targets plasma cells; it destroys bones and immune system.

13. Rare and Unknown Cancer

They cannot be easily diagnosed as they may require special tests.

• Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP): In this type, We have the presence of cancer cells but we are not able to see the origin.
• Thymus Cancer: Uncommon chest tumor; interferes with immune system.
• Desmoid Tumors: Aggressive non-metastatic soft tissue tumors.
• Carcinoid Tumors: Tumors that grow slowly, and which may secrete hormones to lead to flushing or diarrhea.

Why Is This Classification Important?

The type of cancer matters because:

• It helps determine the treatment plan (surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy).
• It is useful in prognosis (prediction of outcome and survival).
• It permits genetic testing for select cancers to influence therapy (e.g., BRCA in breast/ovarian cancer).
• It gives an insight into monitoring as well as recurrences risk.

Types of Cancer: A Detailed Breakdown by Body Parts

A Right Treatment Begins with a Right Diagnosis

Cancer is not another disease, it is an enormous group of diseases which need proper diagnosis and an individual approach to treatment. It has little to do with the popular cancer or less popular ones, the early detection and medical attention in specific clinics can make a world of difference.

When you or a loved one are talking about a cancer diagnosis, there is no need to drag your feet before you avail the services of a professional that knows this stuff.

15 years experience of treating all cancer types with caring and science based treatments by Dr. Pooja Babbar- a well known and the best medical oncologist in Gurgaon. Her patients, depend on her due to her commitment, experience and accurate approach to the journey of the cancer.

Make an appointment with Dr. Pooja Babbar today and place yourself on the path to a confident recovery.