The Many Types of Cancer and Treatment in NJ, CT, MD, and the Washington, D.C., Area

The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ in the lower part of the abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer occurs when cells in this organ start to grow in an uncontrolled manner.

Brain cancers involve abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. Which parts of the brain are affected helps determine the type of brain cancer.

One of the most common cancers affecting women, breast cancer starts in one or both breasts when cells begin to grow out of control.

The cervix is the narrow, tubular structure that connects the uterus and vagina. Often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, cervical cancer occurs most often in people over age 30.

Colon cancer occurs in the large intestine, a part of the body that helps digest food. This type of cancer affects nearly 100,000 newly diagnosed people in America each year.

The esophagus is a long, hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus.

Fallopian tube cancer affects the two, parallel structures of a woman’s body that carry egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus.

Developing in the throat, mouth, lips, sinuses, or nose, head and neck cancers are most commonly caused by tobacco, alcohol, or infection with HPV.

Kidney cancer occurs when healthy cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control, forming a tumor.

Occurring in the organ that helps digest food and get rid of toxins, liver cancer can be caused by certain diseases, infections, or alcohol.

Lung cancer causes the most cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Smoking is a major risk factor for developing lung cancer.

Mesothelioma develops in the thin tissue that lines the lungs, heart, chest, and abdomen. Most cases are caused by asbestos exposure.

When the DNA of neuroendocrine cells is damaged, the cells become abnormal, divide out of control, and form tumors known as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

Ovarian cancer occurs when genetically mutated cells grow uncontrollably. It includes tumors that grow in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum, which lines the abdomen.

The pancreas aids in digestion and helps control blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer attacks this organ and usually affects older adults.

One of the most common types of cancer found in men is prostate cancer. It occurs when malignant cells begin growing rapidly in this gland.

Affecting the lower part of the large intestine, rectal cancer often is grouped with colon cancer and referred to as colorectal cancer.

Tumors that form in the connective tissues of the body are classified as sarcomas. They affect the bones, muscles, veins, nerves, and other tissues.

The body can be attacked by several different types of skin cancers, including melanoma Skin cancer is caused by the irregular development and growth of skin cells, often as a result of excessive sun exposure.

One of the most aggressive forms of lung cancer, small cell carcinoma represents 13% of all lung cancers.

Stomach cancer starts in the lining of the stomach and can spread to nearby organs. Risk factors for stomach cancer include smoking, infections, and a poor diet.

While rare, testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer detected in men between the ages of 15 and 45 years.

The thyroid gland sits at the base of the neck and is responsible for producing several hormones. Because the thyroid contains various kinds of cells, thyroid cancer can take many different forms.

Transitional cell carcinoma affects the transitional cells of the urinary system and accounts for an overwhelming majority of bladder cancer diagnoses.

Also called endometrial cancer, uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer. The risk of developing uterine cancer increases with age.