What are the different types of cancer?
There are hundreds of different types of cancer. They are identified by the type of body tissue involved or by the body part involved. The major classifications of cancer are: Carcinoma: a malignant tumor found in the outermost covering or lining of body surfaces or organs. These tumors are found on the skin, in the mouth and throat, stomach and bowel, or in organs like the mammary gland, liver, lung or bladder. Sarcoma: malignant tumor found in the structural tissues of the body such as bone, muscle and cartilage. Round Cell tumors: malignant tumors often made up of different immune cells. Mast cell tumors and lymphoma are examples of this type of tumor.
Cancer is defined as an aggressive overgrowth of cells due to accelerated cell division. This event often causes the development of a localized tumor. However, these growths are often benign, or harmless. On the other hand, when rogue cells metastasize, or spread to and attack other regions of the body, they are said to be malignant. This invasion of neighboring tissue is characteristic of many different types of cancer. There are many factors that can cause cancer, the most prominent being damaged or mutated genetic material. This may occur from chronic exposure to carcinogens, such as chemicals or environmental pollutants. It is also possible to inherit a genetic predisposition for cancer, making certain individuals at higher risk than others. Unfortunately, cancer does not discriminate and may strike anyone of any age at any time. In fact, even an infant may develop cancer while still developing in the womb. While all 100-plus different types of cancer begin with the abnormal divisi
