Other Kinds of Cancer - Learn about Other Common Conditions

Lung cancer, bowel cancer and breast cancer are in the top of the list of the most common types of cancer. However, a malignant tumor can be formed in almost any part of the body. It can affect organs and glands as well as different tissues. It is worth learning more about other kinds of cancer as well.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It fact, in some countries, such as the US it is more common even than breast cancer. Still, in many Asian and African countries this condition does not have high incidence. This kind of cancer affects the prostate gland, situated under the bladder in men. Its causes remain unknown, but researchers have found that the high-calorie diet rich in fats contributes greatly to the risk of developing the condition.

The most common prostate cancer symptoms that occur in the early stages of the tumor development include frequent urgency to urinate and difficulty starting and stopping the urine flow. Burning and pain during urination are also common. Blood in the urine or semen is one of the most serious warning signs.

The condition is diagnosed with different types of tests, including a digital rectal exam and a blood test using the so called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The prostate cancer treatment may consist of watchful waiting only, but surgery and radiation therapy are more commonly used. In general, prevention through regular rectal exams and low-fat low-calorie diet is a highly recommended option.

Bladder cancer is another one of the other kinds of cancer that is common. Its causes remain unknown. However, it is usually detected at an early stage of development and treated effectively. This happens because its main symptom is blood in the urine, which is easy to notice. There are no effective methods for bladder cancer prevention, even though nonsmoking may reduce the risk of the condition. For this reason, it is essential to see a doctor, if blood appears in your urine.

Bladder cancer is diagnosed with the use of cystoscopy and biopsy. The former involves the examination of the bladder from the inside with a tiny tube. The latter involves taking a small cell sample from the bladder for testing. This condition is usually treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or immunotherapy. This type of cancer is known to re-occur frequently, even after treatment.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is another common condition among the other kinds of cancer. The uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells can occur anywhere in the lymphatic system. Even though there are many different types of NHL discovered, their causes are not yet known. The most common symptoms of the condition include swollen and/or painful lymph nodes, fever that cannot be explained, night sweats and extreme fatigue.

The condition is diagnosed through biopsy. The most common types of treatment for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include radiation therapy and chemotherapy, even though watchful waiting is sometimes used. Stem cells transplant and monoclonal antibody therapy are more innovative treatments for the condition. There are no effective ways for its prevention available.

Kidney cancer, formally known as renal cancer, also falls in the list of the other kinds of cancer that are common. The malignant tumor usually grows in the tiny tubes of the organ. The causes of the condition remain unknown, but doctors have identified some risk factors. These include smoking, being male and being obese and having high blood pressure. Individuals with other types of kidney disease, those with family history of kidney cancer and those with lymphoma are more likely to develop the condition.

Renal cancer has a variety of symptoms, including blood in the urine and lump on the side. However, they are not usually present in the early stages of the tumor development. Various tests can be performed to diagnose the condition, but only a biopsy can confirm it. Kidney cancer treatment usually involves surgery for removing part or the entire kidney or the entire organ along with the adrenal gland. Cryotherapy, biological therapy and radiofrequency ablation are other forms of treatment. The condition cannot be prevented completely, but you can stop smoking and maintain a healthy diet to reduce your risk.

Other kinds of cancer that are common include endometrial cancer, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and leukemia.