What types of cancer are there?
There are currently more than 100 types of cancer identified. The types of cancer are generally classified according to:
- with the organ or tissue from which they originate. For example, lung cancer starts in lung cells
- with the type of cells that are formed. For instance:
- Carcinomas are formed by epithelial cells (cells that form the basic tissues of the human body)
- Sarcomas are formed from bone or soft tissues (muscles, blood vessels, fibrous or fatty tissue)
- Lymphomas originate in lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell)
- Leukemia originates from the cells present in the bone marrow
- Multiple myeloma originates in plasma cells (cells that specialize in producing antibodies)
- Melanoma forms from melanocytes (skin cells that produce melanin – skin pigment)
What are the most common types of cancer?
In Europe, the The most commonly diagnosed cancer in women is breast cancer, followed by colorectal and lung cancer. In men, the most commonly diagnosed cancer is prostate cancer, followed by lung and colorectal cancer.
Source: Portuguese Society of Oncology