| Cancer Type |
Affected Area |
Common Symptoms |
| Breast Cancer |
Breast tissue |
Lump in the breast, nipple changes |
| Lung Cancer |
Lungs |
Chronic cough, breathlessness |
| Colon Cancer |
Large intestine |
Blood in stool, changes in bowel habits |
| Prostate Cancer |
Prostate gland |
Urinary problems, weak urine flow |
Carcinomas typically affect organs that participate in absorption, secretion or filtration. Symptoms may vary depending on the organ involved. For example, lung carcinoma may cause persistent coughing or shortness of breath, while colon carcinoma may lead to changes in bowel habits. Early detection plays a vital role in improving outcomes.
2. Sarcomas
Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in supportive or connective tissues. This includes:
These cancers often resemble the tissue in which they grow. An example is osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer seen commonly in children and young adults.
| Tissue Affected |
Example |
Typical Symptoms |
| Bone |
Osteosarcoma |
Bone pain, swelling |
| Muscle |
Rhabdomyosarcoma |
Lump, muscle weakness |
| Fat |
Liposarcoma |
Painless growing mass |
Symptoms depend on the area affected. Bone sarcomas may cause persistent pain or swelling, whereas soft tissue sarcomas may initially appear as painless lumps that grow over time.
3. Myeloma
Myeloma, more commonly known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells are a form of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies that help fight infection.
Myeloma develops in the bone marrow and may occur as:
- Plasmacytoma, a single tumor
- Multiple myeloma, which involves several bone regions
| Feature |
Description |
| Origin |
Plasma cells in bone marrow |
| Common Form |
Multiple myeloma |
| Symptoms |
Bone pain, fatigue, kidney problems |
Common symptoms include weakened bones, frequent infections, fatigue, kidney issues and bone pain. Since plasma cells affect immunity, people with myeloma often experience recurring infections.
4. Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow. Instead of forming solid tumours, leukaemia causes the body to produce excessive amounts of abnormal white blood cells. These cells do not function correctly, leaving the body susceptible to infections.
Leukaemia disrupts the production of:
| Aspect |
Details |
| Affected Cells |
White blood cells |
| Common Age Group |
Children and adults |
| Symptoms |
Fatigue, infections, bruising |
As a result, patients may experience anemia, frequent infections or easy bruising. Leukaemia is one of the most common childhood cancers but also affects adults. Symptoms may include persistent fatigue, fever, weight loss, bone pain and swollen lymph nodes.
5. Lymphoma
Lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system, a vital part of the immune system. The lymphatic system includes the:
- Spleen
- Tonsils
- Lymph nodes
- Thymus gland
Since the lymphatic system runs throughout the body, lymphoma can appear almost anywhere. There are two main types.
| Type |
Description |
| Hodgkin Lymphoma |
Characterized by Reed Sternberg cells |
| Non Hodgkin Lymphoma |
Diverse group with varying severity |
Typical symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, fever and unexplained weight loss. Lymphoma is treatable, especially when detected early.
6. Mixed Types
Mixed cancers contain components of more than one category. Examples include:
- Carcinosarcoma
- Adenosquamous carcinoma
- Mixed mesodermal tumors
- Teratocarcinoma
These cancers can be more complex to diagnose due to their varied cell types. Blastomas also fall into this category and typically occur in children, affecting embryonic tissues.
Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers
Although less common than other major cancer groups, tumors of the brain and spinal cord are some of the most critical types of cancer due to their effect on the central nervous system. These cancers develop from different types of nerve cells, glial cells or the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Common examples include:
| Tumor Type |
Location |
Symptoms |
| Glioma |
Brain |
Headache, seizures |
| Meningioma |
Brain coverings |
Vision changes |
| Spinal Tumors |
Spinal cord |
Back pain, limb weakness |
Symptoms often depend on the location of the tumor and may include:
- Persistent headaches
- Seizures
- Difficulty balancing
- Vision or speech problems
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
- Changes in personality or behaviour
Spinal cord tumors may also lead to back pain, loss of bladder control or reduced limb coordination. Because even small tumors can affect vital functions, early diagnosis through MRI and neurological evaluation is essential.
Common Symptoms Across Different Cancer Types
Although symptoms vary depending on the organ involved, some general warning signs may signal the presence of cancer. These include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Abnormal lumps or swelling
- Prolonged fever or night sweats
- Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Unhealed sores or unusual bleeding
- Chronic pain in specific areas
It is important to understand that these symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should not be ignored. Regular screenings and timely medical consultation significantly increase the chances of early detection.
Why Early Detection Matters
Most types of cancer and symptoms become noticeable only after the disease has progressed. Early diagnosis can:
- Improve treatment success
- Reduce complications
- Help preserve organ function
- Improve survival rates
Advances in screening tools such as mammograms, colonoscopies, ultrasound and MRI scans allow doctors to detect many cancer types at an early, treatable stage.
How Specialists Diagnose Cancer
Oncologists today use several advanced methods for accurate diagnosis, including:
- Biopsy examination of tissue samples
- Imaging tests such as CT scan or PET scan
- Blood tests for markers
- Genetic and molecular tests to understand tumour behavior
Understanding the exact type of cancer helps doctors tailor personalized treatment plans that may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Conclusion
Cancer remains one of the most challenging health conditions, yet awareness of different types of cancer and symptoms empowers individuals to take timely action. Early detection, regular screenings and access to expert medical care can make a major difference in outcomes. Staying informed and seeking medical help when needed is the first step toward better health.
Modern oncology has made significant progress in cancer prevention and treatment. At Regency Hospitals, patients receive comprehensive cancer care supported by experienced oncologists and advanced medical technology. If you are looking for the best cancer hospital in Kanpur – Regency Hospitals provides specialized diagnosis and treatment options for a wide range of cancer conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many cancer types exist?
There are more than 200 identified types of cancer. They are classified based on where they originate in the body and the type of cells involved.
What are the most common symptoms of cancer?
Common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, ongoing fatigue, persistent lumps, abnormal bleeding, and long-lasting pain, though signs vary by cancer type.
Can lifestyle changes reduce cancer risk?
Yes, healthy lifestyle habits such as avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet can help lower cancer risk.
Which cancers are most common in India?
Breast, lung, cervical, oral, and colorectal cancers are among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in India.
How is cancer usually treated?
Cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
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