Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, resulting in cancerous tumors. Cancer comes in many forms, but some cancers are more common than others. There are a few warning signs and symptoms that point to cancer:
- A new lump or growth
- Abnormal bleeding
- Prolonged cough
- Unexplained weight loss
- Change in bowel movements
Female breast cancer
The breast contains glands and thin tubes. The glands, called lobules, produce milk. The thin tubes, called ducts, transport the milk from the lobules to the nipple. Breast tissues are also made up of fat, connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. These are all areas where cancer can develop.
The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which originates in the cells of the ducts, lobules, or other tissues inside the breast. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, after skin cancer.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common, yet preventable types of cancer. The lungs are a pair of organs that facilitate breathing. Types of lung cancer include non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Each type can be identified based on the appearance of the cells under a microscope. Non-small cell lung cancer is far more common than small cell lung cancer. The risk for lung cancer can be significantly lowered by quitting smoking tobacco products. Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality from cancer in the United States.
Prostate cancer
The prostate gland aids in the production of semen. It is located just below the bladder, and surrounds the urethra. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States after skin cancer. It occurs more commonly in African-American men than in white men. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. Early stages of prostate cancer rarely exhibit any symptoms. Prostate cancer is a very slow-growing cancer that typically develops in men age 65 years and older.
Melanoma
Our skin is our first line of defense against sunlight, temperature, infection, and injury. It also regulates body temperature and stores water and fat. Melanoma usually forms in skin that’s had high exposure to sunlight, but skin cancer can develop in all areas of the skin. Skin cancer starts in the outer layer (epidermis), which contains squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes. Though there are a few different types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most dangerous. If it fails to be caught early, it can metastasize to other parts of the body.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a common form of cancer, or a rare type of cancer, the oncologists at Southeastern Medical Oncology Center can provide compassionate and effective cancer treatment for you. Call (888) 774-0309 today for more information.