Types of Cancer :: What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the bladder.

 

The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen . It is shaped like a small balloon and has a muscular wall that allows it to get larger or smaller. The bladder stores urine until it is passed out of the body. Urine is the liquid waste that is made by the kidneys when they clean the blood . The urine passes from the two kidneys into the bladder through two tubes called ureters. When the bladder is emptied during urination, the urine goes from the bladder to the outside of the body through another tube called the urethra .

 

There are three types of bladder cancer that begin in cells in the lining of the bladder. These cancers are named for the type of cells that become malignant (cancerous):

 

* Transitional cell carcinoma : Cancer that begins in cells in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder. These cells are able to change shape depending on whether the bladder is full or empty and may be stretched without breaking apart. Most bladder cancers begin in the transitional cells.

* Squamous cell carcinoma : Cancer that begins in squamous cells , which are thin, flat cells that may form in the bladder after long-term infection or irritation.

* Adenocarcinoma : Cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the bladder produce and release fluids such as mucus.

 

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Types of Cancer :: What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the prostate.

 

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder (the organ that collects and empties urine ) and in front of the rectum (the lower part of the intestine ). It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland produces fluid that makes up part of the semen .

 

Prostate cancer is found mainly in older men. As men age, the prostate may get bigger and block the urethra or bladder. This may cause difficulty in urination or can interfere with sexual function. The condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and although it is not cancer, surgery may be needed to correct it. The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or of other problems in the prostate may be similar to symptoms for prostate cancer.

Possible signs of prostate cancer include a weak flow of urine or frequent urination.

 

These and other symptoms may be caused by prostate cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

 

    * Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
    * Frequent urination (especially at night).
    * Difficulty urinating.
    * Pain or burning during urination.
    * Blood in the urine or semen.
    * Nagging pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.
    * Painful ejaculation.

 

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Types of Cancer :: What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.

 

The breast is made up of lobes and ducts . Each breast has 15 to 20 sections called lobes, which have many smaller sections called lobules . Lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are linked by thin tubes called ducts.

Anatomy of the breast, showing lymph nodes and lymph vessels.Mammography of the right breast.Pea, peanut, walnut, and lime show tumor sizes.Inflammatory breast cancer of the left breast showing peau d'orange and inverted nipple. Breast-conserving surgery. Dotted lines show area containing the tumor that is removed and some of the lymph nodes that may be removed.Total mastectomy. Dotted line shows entire breast is removed. Some lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed.Modified radical mastectomy. Dotted line shows entire breast and some lymph nodes are removed. Part of the chest wall muscle may also be removed.
  
Sentinel lymph node biopsy. Radioactive substance and/or blue dye is injected near the tumor (first panel), the injected material is followed visually or with a probe (middle panel), and the first lymph nodes to take up the material are removed and checked for cancer cells (last panel).

 

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