Cancer (or carcinoma) is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can develop in almost any organ or tissue. Primary tumors are located in one specific area. Metastatic tumors are tumors that have spread from one area of the body to another.

Adrenocortical carcinoma. A malignant tumor of the adrenal glands.

Bladder cancer. A malignant tumor within the bladder, usually starting in the cellular lining. These tumors are classified based on their growth pattern.

Bone cancer. An abnormal, malignant growth of cells within the bone.

Brain cancer (tumor). The growth of abnormal cells, or the uncontrolled growth of cells within the brain.

Breast cancer. A malignant growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. There are several different types of breast cancer, but ductal carcinoma (in the duct that brings milk to the nipple) accounts for more than 75% of breast cancers.

Cervical cancer. Abnormal cell growth that begins in the surface of the lower part of the womb which opens into the vagina (cervix).

Colorectal (colon) cancer. Abnormal growth of cells that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the end of the colon (rectum).

Endometrial cancer. Abnormal growth of cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). This is the most common type of uterine cancer.

Esophageal cancer. A malignant tumor of the muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus).

Ewing’s sarcoma. A malignant bone tumor that affects children. It may occur anywhere in the body, but most often appears in the long bones.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A malignancy of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow.

Kaposi’s sarcoma. A malignant tumor of the connective tissue, often associated with AIDS.

Kidney cancer. Abnormal cells affecting the function of the kidneys.

Leukemia. A group of bone marrow diseases characterized by an uncontrolled increase in white blood cells. There are many different types of leukemia.

Liver cancer. Abnormal cells that cause the liver to function improperly or cease functioning altogether.

Lung cancer. A malignant tumor of the lungs. Most can be divided into “small cell” and “non-small cell,” depending on their growth speed and response to chemotherapy.

Melanoma. The most dangerous type of skin cancer, involving the cells that produce pigment for skin, hair and eye color.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Abnormal cells of lymphoid tissue located in organs of the immune system. They can be slow or fast-growing.

Osteosarcoma. A malignant bone tumor that usually develops during the period of rapid growth in adolescence. It is the most common malignant bone tumor in the young.

Ovarian cancer. A malignant abnormal growth located on the ovaries. It is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers.

Pancreatic carcinoma. A malignancy of the pancreas. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

Penile cancer. A rapidly growing, malignant cancer that affects the penis and has a tendency to spread. The condition is relatively rare.

Prostate cancer. A malignant growth within the prostate gland. When testosterone levels are reduced, either by medication or surgical removal of the testicles, prostate cancer can regress.

Renal pelvis or ureter cancer. A rare cancer that grows in the urine collection system (pelvis), or in the tube that leads to the bladder (ureter).

Skin cancer. The uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells in the skin, which can spread into other tissues and organs. Skin cancers are classified by the type of cells present in the outer layer of skin.

Testicular cancer. An abnormal, rapid and invasive growth of malignant cancer cells in the male sex glands adjacent to the penis (testicles).

Throat cancer (laryngeal). Cancer of the vocal chords, voice box (larynx) or other areas of the throat.

Thyroid cancer. A cancerous tumor on the thyroid gland.

Vaginal cancer. A malignant tumor in the vagina. Primary vaginal cancer is rare, and most cases are the result of a different cancer spreading to the vagina.

Vulvar cancer. Tumors that originate at the external structures of the female reproductive tract. Most are some type of skin cancer.

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