Understanding Common and Rare Types of Cancer
Cancer can manifest in a variety of different ways and in different areas of the body. From the most common (lung and breast cancer) to the rarer cancers (such as tonsil cancer or cardiac sarcoma), it’s necessary to be aware and understand all the types of cancer.
Common Types of Cancer: Lung Cancer
The two most common types of cancer are lung and breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer has been responsible for “about a third of the 600,000 U.S. cancer deaths.” Lung cancer accounts for 13 percent of cancer cases on a global scale. There are three main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and lung carcinoid tumors. About 85% of lung cancers are NSCLC while about 10%-15% are SCLC with fewer than 5% of lung cancers being lung carcinoid tumors. Depending on the type of lung cancer, treatment may differ. Regardless, one of the best ways to prevent any type of lung cancer is by quitting smoking.
Common Types of Cancer: Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer. Although over 99% of those affected by breast cancer are women, less than 1% of patients are male. Apart from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women. According to the American Cancer Society, “about 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women” in 2018. Women in the United States have a 12% chance of developing breast cancer sometime in their life.
Less Common Types of Cancer
For every common type of cancer, there’s also a myriad of rare cancers that affect a smaller amount of people. Take cardiac sarcomas, for example. These rare tumors may occur within the heart wall, within the heart’s chambers, or even in the heart’s musculature. Most commonly, cardiac sarcomas occur in the right atrium, obstructing the blood flow. This may cause the feet and abdomen to swell. Cardiac sarcomas are very difficult to diagnose and treat. By the time symptoms have developed, the sarcomas might have grown large enough, spreading to other parts of the body.
Knowledge is Key
If you’re in the El Paso area, Atavistic Chemotherapy can provide the information you’re looking for. Most types of cancer can be treated with chemotherapy. Contact us today to learn more about how Atavistic Chemotherapy