Common Types of Cancer

Anal cancer affects the body’s opening at the lower end of the intestines, allowing the passage of feces. Learn more.

Bladder cancer can take several forms, but transitional cell carcinoma is the most common type. Learn more.

Brain tumors are often discussed collectively with spinal cord tumors, as both types of cancer develop in the central nervous system. Learn more.

Brain and spinal cord tumors are very different in children and adults. Learn more.

When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. Learn more.

Cervical cancer is nearly always caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Learn more.

Colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum. Learn more.

Endometrial cancer, which is one of two types of uterine cancers, can often be cured. Learn more.

The most common types of esophageal cancer are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Learn more.

Gallbladder cancer is rare and is usually diagnosed late due to a lack of early signs and symptoms. Learn more.

Head and neck cancers include cancers in the larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands. Learn more.

The main types of kidney cancer are renal cell cancer, transitional cell cancer, and Wilms tumor. Learn more.

Leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system. Learn more.

Risk factors for HCC include chronic infection with hepatitis B or C and cirrhosis of the liver. Learn more.

Smoking causes most lung cancers, but nonsmokers can also develop lung cancer. Learn more.

Ovarian epithelial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer form in the same kind of tissue and are treated in the same way. Learn more.

Pancreatic cancer can develop from two kinds of cells in the pancreas: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells, such as islet cells. Learn more.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Learn more.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Learn more.

Gastric (stomach) cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the stomach lining. Learn more.

Testicular cancer most often begins in germ cells (cells that make sperm). Learn more.

Thyroid cancer that is found at an early stage can often be treated successfully. Learn more.

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) causes two-thirds of the cases of vaginal cancer. Learn more.

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about half of all vulvar cancers. Learn more.