Categories of Cancer

Cancer is very complicated disease. It has many types according to organ affected by the cancer. In each type of cancer growth, development and spreading capacity is different. For the sake of study cancer is broadly divided into five categories carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma and cancer of central nervous system.

Carcinoma In carcinoma, tissues that cover surface of the body i.e. skin and tissues that form inner lining of body cavity are affected by the cancer. Carcinoma is malignant type of cancer means it shows spreading from one organ to other through blood or lymph.

Carcinoma is divided in to two types according to the appearance of the tumor;

  1. Adenocarcinoma
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma

Adenocarcinoma: Glandular lining of internal body organs like lungs, stomach, colon, pancreas and cervix are affected by cancer. Benign type of adenocarcinoma is localized and do not spread to other parts but malignant type of adenocarcinoma spread to other parts of body.

Squamous cell carcinoma: It is malignant cancer of squamous cell. This type of cancer is developed in the skin, mouth, tongue, lips esophagus lung, vagina and lungs. In this type red colored ulcer is developed slowly. Affected part shows irregular bleeding.

Sarcoma

Sarcoma is cancer of soft tissues like muscles, supporting tissue, adipose tissue i.e. tissue with fats, blood carrying vessels and fibrous tissue. It is malignant type of cancer. Body tissues performing function of connection, support and binding are affected by cancer. Cancer of these soft tissues is grouped in one category because almost all types show similar symptoms and some what treated by the same manner.

Leukemia In our body, blood cells i.e. WBC, RBC and platelets are synthesized inside the cavity of long bones called bone marrow cavity. WBC is mainly concern with defense mechanism, RBC carries oxygen to the tissue and platelets are important in blood clotting. In leukemia abnormal type of WBC are produced called leukemia cells. These cells divide continuously and inhibit the functioning of normal blood calls. Leukemia is detected by blood testing. Person with chronic leukemia shows headache, vomiting and loss of muscle control. Radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, or biological therapies are used to treat leukemia.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is type of cancer related to the lymphatic system. Lymph system is part of immune system having network of vessels carrying body fluid and WBC. In lymphoma lymph nodes (small bean-shaped organ) get swell. Swelling or lump can clearly feel on the body surface. Swelling is occurred due to the infection or carcinogens. In this type, caner patient shows sudden loss of weight, fever, itchiness and night sweating.

Cancer of central nervous system Central nervous system consists of brain and spinal cord. It controls all voluntary and involuntary actions of the body like speech, walking, memory, digestion and many more. In nervous system, cancer may develop in brain or spinal cord. Cells from brain or spinal cord become abnormal and divide continuously without any stop.

Multiple division of cells form tumor. This tumors is called primary tumor and sometime cancer from other body parts can reach to the brain to form tumor is called secondary tumor. Exact reason of the brain tumor is still unknown but, employees working in chemical industries, oil company or rubber industries have more chances of developing cancer. Still research is going on whether, brain tumor is hereditary or not.