Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver, a large organ in the upper right abdomen responsible for filtering blood, processing nutrients, producing bile, and removing toxins from the body. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which develops in hepatocytes, the main liver cells. Less common types include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma.Cancers that spread to the liver from other organs such as the colon, lung, or breast occur far more often than cancers that start in the liver. These are considered metastatic cancers and are named for the organ where they began.Because the liver can continue functioning even when damaged, liver cancer may not cause symptoms until it is more advanced. Early evaluation and prompt care are important for the best outcomes.
Lung cancer is a disease that begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs, the organs responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. It is one of the most common cancers in the United States and remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.While smoking is the strongest risk factor, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. The risk increases with the number of years and amount a person has smoked, but quitting at any stage can significantly reduce the chance of developing the disease. Early detection and advances in treatment continue to improve outcomes, and our multidisciplinary teams use the latest diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to support patients at every step.
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a vital part of the immune system that helps protect the body from infection and disease. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow.Lymphoma develops when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, begin to grow and multiply abnormally. These cells live longer than they should, which can crowd out healthy immune cells and weaken the body's ability to fight infection.There are two main types of lymphoma:Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)Hodgkin lymphoma (formerly called Hodgkin disease)The main difference between the two is the type of lymphocyte involved. Hodgkin lymphoma is defined by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, a specific type of abnormal B cell seen under a microscope. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes a broader group of blood cancers that can start in B cells or T cells and often behave differently in how quickly they grow or respond to treatment.
Myeloma, most often referred to as multiple myeloma, is an uncommon type of blood cancer that begins in plasma cells, a form of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally produce antibodies that help the body fight infection, but in multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells grow uncontrollably and crowd out healthy blood cells. These malignant cells often produce an abnormal antibody called M protein, which is a hallmark of the disease and can contribute to kidney problems and other complications. This disruption can lead to bone damage, anemia, and a weakened immune system.As myeloma progresses, abnormal plasma cells may form tumors within the bones, causing pain, fractures, or other complications.
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth. It can form on the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, the roof or floor of the mouth, or the area just behind the wisdom teeth. While oral cancer can affect anyone, it is more common in people who use tobacco or alcohol, have prolonged sun exposure to the lips, or have certain viral infections such as HPV.Early detection significantly improves outcomes, but oral cancer is often found at a later stage because early changes can be subtle. Regular dental checkups, self-exams, and prompt evaluation of any new or persistent changes in the mouth are important steps in catching oral cancer early.
Ovarian cancer begins when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow and divide more quickly than they should, forming a tumor that can spread to nearby tissues or other areas of the body. The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped organs located on each side of the uterus. They produce eggs as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.Ovarian cancer can be challenging to detect early because symptoms are often subtle or mistaken for other conditions. When it is found at an early stage, outcomes are significantly more favorable. Treatment usually includes surgery, chemotherapy, and other targeted approaches depending on the specific type and stage of disease.
Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar regulation. Most cases start in the ductal cells that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas, known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.Because early pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms, it is often diagnosed at a later stage. When detected, treatment depends on the cancer's location and extent and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these options.
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.
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.
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.
