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| Types of Cancer |
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| Cancers are classified on the basis of their location or the body site from which they arise. |
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| 1. Carcinomas |
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| These cancers are located in the epithelial lining of internal organs or glands. For e.g., Breast cancer, Stomach cancer etc., Cancers of epithelial glands are called Adenoma. About 85% of all tumours are of this kind. |
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| 2. Melanomas |
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| These are cancerous growths of melanocytes (skin cells). |
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| 3. Sarcomas |
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| These cancers are located in connective and muscular tissues. These are derived from tissues of mesodermal origin, that is bone, fat and cartilage. If cancer affects the Lymphatic system, it is called Lymphomas. For e.g., Hodkin's disease in man is characterised by enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen etc. Lipomas affect the adipose tissue and osteoma affects the bones. |
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| 4. Leukaemia (Blood cancer) |
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| These are characterised by increased WBC count of the blood (up to 2,00,000 - 1000,000/mm3) due to their increased formation in the bone marrow. This decreases the erythropoiesis and RBC count. These are most common types of cancer affecting the children below 15 yrs of age. Bone marrow transplantation is recommended. |
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| 5. Myeloma |
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| These are malignant tumours occurring in middle aged and older people, that interfere with the blood - cell producing function of bone marrow and cause anaemia. |
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