cancer, prostate A malignant tumor of the prostate, the gland that produces some of the components of semen. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death of males in the US. It is often first detected as a hard nodule found during a routine rectal examination. The PSA blood test is a screening test…
cancer, penis A malignant tumor in which cancer cells develop in the tissues of the penis. It is rare in the US. A physician should be consulted for growths or sores on the penis, any unusual discharge from the penis, or bleeding. If warranted, a biopsy is performed. If cancer is found, more tests are…
cancer, pancreatic A malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a “silent” disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms. If the tumor blocks the common bile duct, and bile cannot pass into the digestive system, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow (jaundiced), and the urine…
cancer, ovarian A malignant tumor of the ovary, the egg sac in a female. Women who have a family history of ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Hereditary ovarian cancer makes up a small percentage of all cases of ovarian cancer. Three hereditary patterns have been identified: ovarian cancer alone,…
cancer, oral A malignant tumor of the mouth area. A sore in the mouth that does not heal can be a warning sign of oral cancer. A biopsy is the only way to determine whether an abnormal area in the oral cavity is cancerous. Oral cancer is almost always caused by tobacco (smoking and chewing)…
cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma See lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s.
cancer, myeloma See multiple myeloma.
cancer, multiple myeloma See multiple myeloma.
cancer, melanoma A skin cancer that begins in cells called melanocytes, which normally grow together to form benign (noncancerous) moles. A change in size, shape, or color of a mole can be a sign of melanoma. Melanoma can be cured if it is detected early. If it is not detected early, however, it may spread…
cancer, male breast See breast cancer, male.
cancer, lung A malignant tumor of the lung, the major organ of respiration. Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other form of cancer. Eight out of 10 lung cancers are due to damage caused by tobacco smoke. Persistent cough and bloody sputum can be symptoms of lung cancer. Diagnosis of lung cancer…
cancer, laryngeal A malignant tumor of the voice box (larynx), which is located at the top of the windpipe (trachea). Cancer of the larynx occurs most often in people over the age of 55, especially those who have been heavy smokers. People who stop smoking can greatly reduce their risk. Hoarseness without pain can be…