All Cancers & Diseases

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition that most often begins as a slow-growing mucinous tumor in the appendix, though it can occasionally originate in other parts of the abdomen such as the bowel, ovary or bladder. These tumors produce a thick, jelly-like substance called mucin. When the appendix or another affected organ ruptures, tumor cells and mucin can spread across the lining of the abdomen, the peritoneum, where they gradually build up over time.PMP typically grows slowly and rarely spreads through the bloodstream or lymph nodes. Instead, it tends to stay within the abdominal cavity, spreading along internal surfaces and eventually putting pressure on nearby organs.

Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the body's connective tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and bone. It can occur anywhere in the body, though it most often begins in the arms, legs, or abdomen.There are two main categories of sarcoma: soft tissue sarcoma, which starts in the soft or connective tissues, and bone sarcoma, which begins in the bones. Together, these include more than 70 different subtypes.Because sarcomas can develop in many parts of the body, treatment depends on the specific type, location, and stage of the disease. Early diagnosis and specialized care are key to improving outcomes.

Secondary lymph node cancer occurs when cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes from a cancer that began somewhere else in the body. This is different from lymphoma, which begins in the lymphatic system itself. When cancer reaches the lymph nodes, it is still made up of cells from the original tumor, which helps guide treatment.Because the lymphatic system plays a key role in the body's immune defense and is connected throughout the body, it is a common pathway for cancer cells to travel. Understanding how and why cancer spreads to lymph nodes is an important part of planning treatment and evaluating overall prognosis.

Skin cancer is a common form of cancer and develops when skin cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. It most often appears on areas of the skin that receive frequent sun exposure, but it can form anywhere on the body, including areas not typically exposed to sunlight. The three main types are:Basal cell carcinomaSquamous cell carcinomaMelanomaMelanoma is the least common but most serious type of skin cancer. It begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. While melanoma typically develops on the skin, it can also occur in the eyes and, rarely, in internal areas such as the nose or throat.Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds is the primary risk factor for most skin cancers, including melanoma. Although anyone can be affected, melanoma rates have risen in people under 40, especially women. Regular skin checks, sun protection, and knowing what warning signs to look for can help detect skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

Small bowel cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the small intestine, the long, muscular tube that connects the stomach to the large intestine and helps digest food, absorb nutrients, and supports the immune system. Although several types of cancer can arise in the small bowel, they are far less common than cancers of the colon or stomach. Early symptoms can be vague, which means many cases are diagnosed later in the disease course. Treatment depends on the specific type of small bowel cancer and how far it has grown or spread.

Spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths that develop within the spinal canal or the bones of the spine. When a tumor begins inside the spinal cord or in the thin layers that surround it, it is called an intradural spinal cord tumor. Tumors that arise in the vertebrae, the bones that form the spine, are known as vertebral tumors. These tumors can press on the spinal cord or nearby nerves, leading to pain, mobility challenges, and changes in neurological function.Spinal cord tumors may be primary, meaning they start in the spine, or metastatic, meaning they have spread from cancer in another part of the body. Regardless of type, early diagnosis and coordinated care are important for protecting nerve function, relieving symptoms, and guiding the most effective treatment. Depending on the tumor's location and behavior, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other specialized therapies.

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, begins when abnormal cells form and grow in the stomach. The stomach is a key organ in the upper abdomen that helps break down food during digestion. Stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach, though in the United States it is more likely to occur near the gastroesophageal junction, where the esophagus meets the stomach.While stomach cancer is relatively uncommon in the U.S., early detection and timely, specialized care can make a significant difference. Treatment depends on the type and location of the cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of approaches.

Testicular cancer begins in the testicles, the hormone- and sperm-producing glands located within the scrotum. Although it is a relatively rare cancer overall, it is the most common cancer diagnosed in young men between the ages of 15 and 45.Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable solid tumors, with excellent outcomes even when the disease has spread beyond the testicle. Treatment is guided by the specific type and stage of the cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of approaches.

Thymus cancer is a rare disease that begins in the thymus, a small gland located behind the breastbone that plays an important role in the immune system during childhood and adolescence. The two main types of thymus cancer are thymoma and thymic carcinoma, which develop from the gland's epithelial cells and behave differently in terms of growth and spread. While other cancers such as lymphomas, germ cell tumors and neuroendocrine tumors can also involve the thymus, thymoma and thymic carcinoma are considered the primary thymic cancers.Because early symptoms can be subtle or absent, thymus cancers are often found during imaging for another condition. Early evaluation and specialized care are important for determining the right treatment approach.

Thyroid cancer begins in the cells of the thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck that helps regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and other essential functions. It is often found early, sometimes during imaging for unrelated concerns, and many thyroid cancers grow slowly. Others can be more aggressive, but most cases are highly treatable with prompt, appropriate care. While rates of diagnosis have increased in recent years, this is largely due to improved imaging technology that can detect very small thyroid tumors that may not have been identified in the past.