An astrocytoma is a type of brain or spinal cord tumor that develops from astrocytes, which are star-shaped supporting cells (glial cells) of the central nervous system. Astrocytes help protect nerve cells, maintain the brain’s environment, and support normal brain function. Astrocytomas can occur in both adults and children and range from slow-growing (low-grade) to rapidly growing (high-grade) tumors. The…
ATYPICAL/ RHABDOID TUMOR
Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT) is a rare and aggressive tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) that primarily affects infants and young children, although it can occasionally occur in adults. The tumor usually develops in the brain but may also occur in the spinal cord. Because ATRT grows rapidly and can spread through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), early diagnosis…
CANCER OF UNKNOWN PRIMARY
Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) is a condition in which cancer has spread to another part of the body, but doctors are unable to identify where the cancer originally started. Normally, the place where a cancer first develops is called the primary site. When cancer cells spread from this original site to another part of the body, the new area…
CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical Cancer Introduction Cervical cancer is a cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. It occurs when cells lining the cervix become abnormal and malignant and begin to grow uncontrollably. Cervical cancer is more commonly seen in women over the age of 30. Early evaluation of unusual vaginal…
CHILDHOODÂ CANCER
Childhood cancer can develop in different parts of a child’s body, including the blood, lymph nodes, brain, spinal cord, kidneys, bones and other organs. Cancer in children is relatively uncommon. It occurs when normal cells become abnormal and begin growing and multiplying in an uncontrolled way. The exact cause of many childhood cancers is not known. Different types of childhood…
CHILDHOOD CARDIC TUMOR
A childhood cardiac tumor is a tumor that develops in or around the heart of a child. Cardiac tumors can arise from different layers of the heart, including the inner lining, heart muscle or the pericardium surrounding the heart. Cardiac tumors may be benign or malignant. Primary cardiac tumors begin in the heart itself, while tumors found in the heart…
CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA / BILE DUCT CANCER
Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a cancer that develops in the bile ducts. The bile ducts are slender tubes that carry bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, toward the gallbladder and small intestine. When cells in the bile ducts become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, they can form cholangiocarcinoma. Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer and can…
CHORDOMAS
Chordomas are very rare tumors that can occur in children. They are generally slow-growing and develop from tissues associated with the spine. Chordomas can develop anywhere along the spine, but they are commonly found around the skull base. As a chordoma grows, it may put pressure on nearby structures, including parts of the spinal cord or brain. The symptoms depend…
CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces an abnormally high number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell (WBC). Lymphocytes normally play an important role in the body’s immune system. In CLL, abnormal lymphocytes can accumulate in the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic tissues. CLL is generally a slow-growing type…
COLORECTAL CANCER
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the large intestine. The large intestine includes the colon and rectum, and cancer can develop in either area or involve both. Colorectal cancer commonly begins as a growth called a polyp. Some types of polyps can gradually develop abnormal changes and become cancerous over time. Colorectal cancer is more commonly seen in…
