Breast Cancer

Definition Breast cancer is cancer that develops from the breast tissue. It most commonly develops in cells from the lining of your milk ducts, and the lobules that supply your ducts with milk. Cancers that develop from the ducts are known as ductal carcinomas. Cancers that develop from the lobules…

Esophageal Cancer

Definition Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus -- the tube that runs between your throat and your stomach. Your esophagus carries the food you swallow to your stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus, but can…

Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Definition Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in the lymph system. The lymph system is part of the immune system, which helps the body fight disease and infection. It includes lymph tissue found in lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune…

Malignant Melanoma

Definition Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, develops in the melanocyte cells, which produce the pigment (melanin) that gives color to your skin. Melanoma also can form in your eyes and rarely, in internal organs, such as your intestines. The exact cause of melanoma isn’t clear, but exposure…

Bladder Cancer

Definition Bladder cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the bladder. Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas. Other types include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as…

Prostate Cancer

Definition Prostate cancer occurs in a man’s prostate -- the small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer also is known as Jewett stage D2 prostate cancer; stage D2 metastatic prostate cancer; hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer; and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. General…

Ovarian Cancer

Definition Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries. Ovaries are reproductive glands found only in females. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) for reproduction. The eggs travel through the fallopian tubes into the uterus, where the fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus. The ovaries also are the main source of…

Thyroid Cancer

Definition Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid. The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones to regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. In the early stages of thyroid cancer, there are typically no signs or symptoms. As a tumor grows, it can cause difficulty…