Condition Lookup
Category:
Solid Tumors
Number of Conditions: 64
Melanoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Skin Cancers
Symptoms:
new or changing mole; asymmetry in moles; irregular borders; multiple colors in a mole; increase in mole size; itching; bleeding or ulceration of the mole
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled growth of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), often triggered by UV radiation-induced DNA damage or genetic mutations.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, dermoscopy, skin biopsy (excisional or punch), sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging, and imaging studies (e.g., CT, PET, or MRI) for advanced cases.
Treatment:
Surgical excision (wide local excision), immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy (less common), and radiation therapy (for advanced cases).
Medications:
Medications include immunotherapy drugs like nivolumab (a PD-1 inhibitor) or ipilimumab (a CTLA-4 inhibitor), and targeted therapies such as vemurafenib or dabrafenib (BRAF inhibitors) combined with trametinib (MEK inhibitor). These drugs belong to the classes of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted small molecule inhibitors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 27 men and 1 in 40 women are diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime; incidence varies by region and skin type.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Fair skin, excessive UV exposure, family history of melanoma, numerous or atypical moles, history of severe sunburns, and genetic mutations (e.g., BRAF mutations).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early-stage melanoma has an excellent prognosis with a high survival rate, but advanced melanoma has poorer outcomes despite recent advances in therapy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, or bones; lymphedema; secondary cancers; and side effects from immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Skin Cancers
Symptoms:
fast-growing, painless nodule; skin-colored, red, or blue lump on sun-exposed areas
Root Cause:
Neuroendocrine carcinoma originating from Merkel cells, often associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection or UV exposure.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, skin biopsy, imaging studies (e.g., CT, PET), and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Treatment:
Surgical excision, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy for advanced cases.
Medications:
Avelumab (PD-L1 inhibitor) is FDA-approved for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with approximately 2,500 cases annually in the U.S.; more common in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, fair skin, excessive UV exposure, immunosuppression, and MCPyV infection.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; localized disease has a good prognosis, but metastatic cases have a high mortality rate.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rapid metastasis to lymph nodes and organs, recurrence, and complications from treatment.
Kaposi Sarcoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Skin Cancers
Symptoms:
purple, red, or brown skin lesions; lesions that may appear on mucous membranes or internal organs; swelling in affected limbs; gastrointestinal bleeding or respiratory symptoms in advanced cases
Root Cause:
Vascular tumor caused by infection with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), often occurring in immunocompromised individuals.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, skin or lesion biopsy, immunohistochemical staining for HHV-8, and imaging studies to assess internal organ involvement.
Treatment:
Antiretroviral therapy (in HIV-associated cases), local therapy (cryotherapy, radiation, or surgical excision), systemic chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for advanced disease.
Medications:
Systemic therapy includes liposomal doxorubicin (a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug) and pomalidomide (an immunomodulator). Antiretroviral therapy is crucial in HIV-associated cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in immunocompetent individuals but more common in HIV/AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients, and older men of Mediterranean or African descent.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HIV infection, immunosuppression, organ transplantation, and infection with HHV-8.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly variable; excellent prognosis with antiretroviral therapy in HIV-associated cases, but poorer outcomes in systemic or aggressive forms.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Widespread systemic involvement, organ failure, and secondary infections.
Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers
Symptoms:
slow-growing lump in the neck; hoarseness; difficulty swallowing; enlarged lymph nodes
Root Cause:
Malignant growth of follicular cells in the thyroid gland, often associated with mutations like BRAF or RET/PTC.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and molecular testing for genetic mutations.
Treatment:
Surgery (lobectomy or total thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine therapy, and levothyroxine for hormone suppression.
Medications:
Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone replacement); sorafenib or lenvatinib (for metastatic cases).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for 80–85% of cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Radiation exposure, family history, and genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent prognosis with a 10-year survival rate over 95%.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence in lymph nodes or distant metastasis, hypothyroidism after treatment.
Follicular Thyroid Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers
Symptoms:
neck lump; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness; bone pain (if metastatic)
Root Cause:
Cancer develops in thyroid follicular cells; often associated with iodine deficiency or genetic mutations in the RAS or PAX8 genes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy, radioactive iodine scans, and molecular testing.
Treatment:
Surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Medications:
Levothyroxine for hormone replacement; sorafenib or lenvatinib for advanced cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Second most common thyroid cancer, accounting for about 10–15% of cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Iodine deficiency, radiation exposure, and older age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis if detected early; survival rates are 85–90% over 10 years.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to bones and lungs, recurrence.
Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers
Symptoms:
lump in the neck; diarrhea; flushing; hoarseness; neck pain; enlarged lymph nodes
Root Cause:
Arises from C-cells (parafollicular cells) in the thyroid that produce calcitonin; often associated with genetic mutations, particularly in the RET proto-oncogene.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for elevated calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), fine-needle aspiration biopsy, genetic testing (RET mutation), and imaging (CT, MRI).
Treatment:
Total thyroidectomy, lymph node dissection, and sometimes external beam radiation.
Medications:
Calcitonin (for symptom relief in advanced cases), sorafenib or cabozantinib (targeted therapies for advanced or metastatic disease).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common, accounting for 3–5% of thyroid cancers; more frequently diagnosed in people with hereditary genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of medullary thyroid cancer, genetic mutations (RET mutations), and MEN syndrome types 2A and 2B.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies depending on stage; localized cases have good survival rates (80–90%), while advanced or metastatic cases have poorer outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and bones; recurrence; and complications from treatment, such as hypocalcemia.
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers
Symptoms:
rapidly growing neck lump; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness; painful throat
Root Cause:
Highly aggressive cancer that arises from thyroid follicular cells; often associated with mutations in TP53, BRAF, or RAS genes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy, imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), and molecular testing for genetic mutations.
Treatment:
Surgery (if operable), external beam radiation, chemotherapy (doxorubicin, paclitaxel), and experimental targeted therapies.
Medications:
Doxorubicin (chemotherapy), paclitaxel (chemotherapy), and sorafenib (targeted therapy for advanced disease).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for 1–2% of thyroid cancers. More common in older adults, usually after the age of 60.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, prior history of thyroid cancer, genetic mutations (TP53), and environmental factors such as radiation exposure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Very poor prognosis with a median survival of 6 months; the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rapid growth, metastasis to distant organs (lungs, bones), airway obstruction, and difficulty in treatment due to its aggressive nature.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Skin Cancers
Symptoms:
red, scaly patch of skin; non-healing sore; raised growth with a central depression; wart-like growth that may bleed or crust
Root Cause:
Malignant proliferation of keratinocytes in the epidermis, frequently linked to UV damage, HPV infection, or chronic inflammation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, dermoscopy, skin biopsy (shave, punch, or excisional), and lymph node assessment for advanced disease.
Treatment:
Surgical excision (including Mohs surgery), cryotherapy, radiation therapy, and systemic therapy for advanced disease.
Medications:
Advanced or metastatic SCC may be treated with cemiplimab or pembrolizumab , both PD-1 inhibitors in the immunotherapy class.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Second most common skin cancer globally, with higher prevalence in older individuals and those with fair skin.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
UV exposure, fair skin, chronic wounds, immunosuppression, and HPV infection.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent for localized SCC; poorer prognosis for advanced or metastatic disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to lymph nodes and distant organs, local tissue destruction, and secondary infections.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
abdominal pain; jaundice; fatigue; unexplained weight loss; swelling in the abdomen; loss of appetite
Root Cause:
Primary liver cancer arising from hepatocytes, often due to cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B or C infection, or chronic liver damage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound), AFP blood test, and liver biopsy in some cases.
Treatment:
Curative options include surgical resection or liver transplantation; other treatments include ablation, embolization, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Medications:
Sorafenib and lenvatinib are first-line treatments; immunotherapy includes atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab . Regorafenib is used for advanced cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The most common primary liver cancer; accounts for about 75% of liver cancer cases globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C infection, alcohol use, NAFLD, obesity, and diabetes.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely; 5-year survival rate is about 33% for localized cases but poor for advanced disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver failure, metastasis, and worsening cirrhosis.
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Symptoms:
headaches; nausea; vomiting; seizures; neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, vision changes); cognitive or personality changes; speech difficulties
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled proliferation of astrocytes, leading to a highly aggressive and infiltrative malignant tumor in the brain.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast, biopsy for histopathological confirmation, molecular testing (e.g., MGMT promoter methylation, IDH mutation status).
Treatment:
Surgery for tumor resection, followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy. Experimental treatments include targeted therapies, tumor-treating fields (TTFields), and immunotherapy.
Medications:
Temozolomide (alkylating agent), bevacizumab (anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody), corticosteroids like dexamethasone (to reduce cerebral edema).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for approximately 15% of all primary brain tumors; incidence is 3.19 cases per 100,000 individuals annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, male gender, exposure to ionizing radiation, history of certain genetic disorders (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Turcot syndrome).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor prognosis; median survival is 15-18 months with standard therapy, and 5-year survival rates are below 10%.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, neurological deficits, cognitive decline, seizures, recurrence of tumor.
Astrocytomas
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Symptoms:
headaches; seizures; neurological deficits such as weakness or vision changes; personality or cognitive changes; nausea and vomiting
Root Cause:
Tumors arising from astrocytes, which are star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. These tumors vary in malignancy, from low-grade (Grade I-II) to high-grade (Grade III-IV).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast for visualization, histopathology from biopsy, molecular analysis for IDH mutation and 1p/19q co-deletion (in relevant cases).
Treatment:
The treatment for astrocytomas depends on the grade and location of the tumor and typically includes - Surgery - Surgical resection to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving neurological function. Radiation Therapy - Used post-surgery for high-grade astrocytomas or when complete resection is not possible. Chemotherapy - Temozolomide is commonly used for high-grade astrocytomas like glioblastomas. Targeted Therapy - Bevacizumab may be used for recurrent cases to inhibit tumor-associated angiogenesis. Supportive Care - Includes corticosteroids to reduce brain swelling and anticonvulsants for seizure control.
Medications:
Temozolomide (alkylating agent), lomustine (alkylating agent), corticosteroids like dexamethasone to manage swelling and edema.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Astrocytomas represent approximately 25% of all primary CNS tumors. Low-grade astrocytomas are more common in younger patients, while high-grade ones are more prevalent in adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Neurofibromatosis), exposure to ionizing radiation, male gender, increasing age (for high-grade astrocytomas).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies significantly by grade
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tumor progression, recurrence, neurological deficits, increased intracranial pressure, seizures.
Meningiomas
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Symptoms:
headaches; seizures; focal neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, vision changes); personality or cognitive changes
Root Cause:
Tumors arising from the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord); most are benign but can occasionally be atypical or malignant.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast or CT scan, biopsy for histopathological confirmation (if necessary).
Treatment:
Observation for asymptomatic, slow-growing tumors; surgery for symptomatic or accessible tumors; radiotherapy for inoperable or recurrent cases.
Medications:
No standard chemotherapy; corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) may be used for symptom relief.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The most common primary brain tumor, accounting for about 30% of all CNS tumors, with higher incidence in middle-aged to elderly adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender (linked to hormonal factors), exposure to ionizing radiation, genetic disorders (e.g., Neurofibromatosis Type 2).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Benign meningiomas have an excellent prognosis with surgery (5-year survival >90%); atypical or malignant types have worse outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neurological deficits, tumor recurrence, malignant transformation (rare).
Oligodendrogliomas
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Symptoms:
seizures; headaches; cognitive difficulties; weakness or paralysis; personality changes
Root Cause:
Tumors arising from oligodendrocytes, the glial cells responsible for myelin production in the CNS. Often associated with 1p/19q co-deletion and IDH mutations.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast, biopsy with histopathological examination, molecular testing for 1p/19q co-deletion and IDH mutation.
Treatment:
Surgical resection, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy (PCV regimen
Medications:
PCV regimen (procarbazine , lomustine , vincristine ), temozolomide , corticosteroids like dexamethasone for symptom relief.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for approximately 2-5% of all primary brain tumors.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations (1p/19q co-deletion, IDH mutation), exposure to ionizing radiation, family history of gliomas.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Better prognosis than glioblastomas; median survival for Grade II is >10 years, and for Grade III, 3-6 years with appropriate treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Seizures, neurological deficits, tumor recurrence, malignant progression.
Ependymomas
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Symptoms:
headaches; nausea; vomiting; hydrocephalus-related symptoms (e.g., balance issues, gait problems); visual disturbances; back pain (if spinal cord involvement)
Root Cause:
Tumors arising from ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast, biopsy for histological confirmation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for metastatic disease.
Treatment:
Surgical resection, followed by radiotherapy; chemotherapy in select cases (especially in pediatric patients).
Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) for symptom management, chemotherapy agents like cisplatin and vincristine in some pediatric cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for 2-3% of all primary brain tumors; more common in children than adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes (e.g., Neurofibromatosis Type 2), exposure to ionizing radiation.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies by grade and resectability; 5-year survival rates for Grade II are 50-70%, while higher-grade tumors have poorer outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hydrocephalus, neurological deficits, tumor recurrence, metastatic spread in the CNS.
Medulloblastomas
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Symptoms:
headaches; nausea and vomiting; balance and coordination problems; visual disturbances (e.g., double vision); lethargy
Root Cause:
Aggressive, embryonal tumor originating in the cerebellum, often spreading through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most common in pediatric patients.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast, biopsy, CSF analysis for metastasis, molecular subgrouping (e.g., WNT, SHH subtypes).
Treatment:
Surgery for maximal safe resection, followed by craniospinal radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Molecular-targeted therapy is emerging for specific subgroups.
Medications:
Chemotherapy agents like cisplatin , vincristine , and cyclophosphamide ; corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) for symptom management.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 20% of all pediatric brain tumors, with peak incidence between ages 3-8 years.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (e.g., Gorlin syndrome, Turcot syndrome), family history of CNS tumors.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on molecular subtype and extent of metastasis; 5-year survival rates range from 50% (high-risk cases) to 80% (low-risk cases).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neurological deficits, hydrocephalus, endocrine dysfunction, learning disabilities, tumor recurrence.
Pituitary Tumors
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Symptoms:
visual disturbances (e.g., bitemporal hemianopsia); headaches; hormonal imbalances (e.g., cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly); fatigue; nausea and vomiting
Root Cause:
Tumors arising from the pituitary gland; may be functional (hormone-secreting) or non-functional.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast, hormonal blood tests, visual field testing.
Treatment:
Surgery (transsphenoidal resection), medical therapy for functional tumors (e.g., dopamine agonists for prolactinomas), radiotherapy for residual or recurrent cases.
Medications:
Dopamine agonists (e.g., cabergoline , bromocriptine ) for prolactinomas; somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide ) for growth hormone-secreting tumors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively common, accounting for about 10-15% of all primary brain tumors.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of pituitary tumors, genetic conditions like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on tumor type and resectability; functional tumors may require long-term medical management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hormonal imbalances, vision loss, recurrence, hypopituitarism following treatment.
Salivary Gland Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Head and Neck Cancers
Symptoms:
painless lump in the mouth, jaw, or neck; numbness or weakness in the face; pain in the mouth or throat; difficulty swallowing; dry mouth
Root Cause:
Malignant tumors in the salivary glands, can arise in major (parotid, submandibular) or minor glands.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Fine needle aspiration biopsy, imaging (CT/MRI), ultrasound, sialography.
Treatment:
Surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and in some cases, chemotherapy.
Medications:
Chemotherapy agents such as Cisplatin and Doxorubicin ; radiation therapy may be used if surgery is not an option.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for less than 5% of all head and neck cancers; most cases are in the parotid gland.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, radiation exposure, genetic conditions (e.g., Cowden syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by tumor type; overall 5-year survival rates are good for localized tumors but poor for advanced stages.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Facial nerve damage, difficulty eating and swallowing, recurrence after surgery.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Skin Cancers
Symptoms:
pearly or waxy bump on the skin; flat, flesh-colored or brown lesion; sores that bleed, crust, and don’t heal; rolled edges around a lesion
Root Cause:
Malignant transformation of basal cells in the epidermis, often caused by long-term UV radiation exposure or genetic predisposition (e.g., PTCH1 mutations).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, dermoscopy, and skin biopsy (shave, punch, or excisional).
Treatment:
Surgical excision (Mohs micrographic surgery for critical areas), topical therapies (e.g., imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil), cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, or radiation therapy.
Medications:
Advanced cases may be treated with vismodegib or sonidegib , both of which are hedgehog pathway inhibitors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The most common skin cancer, with millions of cases diagnosed annually worldwide, especially in individuals over 50 with fair skin.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged sun exposure, fair skin, age, family history of skin cancer, and immunosuppression.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent prognosis with early detection and treatment; rarely metastasizes but can cause significant local tissue damage.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Local tissue invasion, disfigurement, and rarely metastasis in neglected or advanced cases.
Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
abdominal swelling or mass; abdominal pain; fever; blood in urine; nausea or vomiting
Root Cause:
A rare kidney cancer in children caused by genetic mutations affecting kidney development.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ultrasound, CT or MRI, and biopsy; genetic testing may be performed.
Treatment:
Surgery (nephrectomy), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy (in advanced stages).
Medications:
Chemotherapeutic agents like vincristine , actinomycin D, and doxorubicin are used in combination therapy.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Wilms tumor affects about 1 in 10,000 children, making it the most common pediatric kidney cancer.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of Wilms tumor, genetic syndromes (e.g., WAGR syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable prognosis with a 5-year survival rate exceeding 90% for localized cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney function loss, metastases to lungs or liver, and complications from chemotherapy or radiation.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Head and Neck Cancers
Symptoms:
nasopharyngeal obstruction; bloody nasal discharge; ear fullness or hearing loss; difficulty swallowing; neck lump; headaches; nasal congestion
Root Cause:
Malignant tumors arising in the nasopharynx, often linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, imaging (CT/MRI scans), biopsy of nasopharyngeal tissue, endoscopy.
Treatment:
Combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on stage and location.
Medications:
Chemotherapeutic agents such as Cisplatin (alkylating agent), Paclitaxel (taxane chemotherapy), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, antimetabolite).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in Western countries, more common in Southeast Asia and parts of North Africa.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Epstein-Barr virus infection, family history, consumption of salted fish and preserved foods, exposure to tobacco and alcohol.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if detected early, with a 5-year survival rate of around 60-80%; prognosis worsens in later stages.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to lymph nodes and distant organs, difficulty with speech and swallowing, radiation side effects (dry mouth, thyroid dysfunction).
Oropharyngeal Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Head and Neck Cancers
Symptoms:
sore throat; difficulty swallowing; ear pain; lump in the neck; unexplained weight loss; voice changes; mouth sores that don’t heal
Root Cause:
Malignant growths in the oropharynx, often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, imaging (CT/MRI), biopsy, panendoscopy.
Treatment:
Surgery (if localized), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination, especially for HPV-positive cases.
Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs like Cisplatin , 5-FU, and Docetaxel ; immunotherapy agents like Pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1 antibody) may be used in advanced stages.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Increasing incidence, especially in younger populations due to HPV-related cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HPV infection, tobacco use, alcohol use, poor oral hygiene.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
5-year survival rates vary, with HPV-related cancers having a better prognosis than HPV-negative cancers.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty swallowing, voice changes, metastasis to distant organs, radiation side effects.
Laryngeal Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Head and Neck Cancers
Symptoms:
hoarseness; sore throat; pain when swallowing; difficulty breathing; persistent cough; lump in the neck
Root Cause:
Malignant tumor in the larynx, often associated with tobacco and alcohol use.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Laryngoscopy, biopsy, imaging (CT/MRI), neck ultrasound.
Treatment:
Surgery (partial laryngectomy or total laryngectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, voice rehabilitation post-surgery.
Medications:
Cisplatin , Docetaxel , and 5-FU are common chemotherapy agents; targeted therapies like Cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) may also be used.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in men aged 50-70, often linked to smoking and alcohol consumption.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, exposure to asbestos, HPV infection.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early-stage cancers have a good prognosis (around 80-90% survival rate); later stages have a poorer prognosis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty swallowing, speech loss, airway obstruction, metastasis.
Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Head and Neck Cancers
Symptoms:
difficulty swallowing; painful swallowing; hoarseness; chronic sore throat; neck mass; ear pain; weight loss
Root Cause:
Malignant tumor in the hypopharynx, commonly linked to smoking and alcohol use.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, imaging (CT/MRI), biopsy, panendoscopy.
Treatment:
Surgery (often involving partial or total laryngectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy.
Medications:
Chemotherapy agents such as Cisplatin , 5-FU, and Docetaxel ; radiation therapy may be used as adjunctive treatment.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but more common in individuals over 50 years old, with a strong link to tobacco and alcohol use.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, HPV infection.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often diagnosed at later stages, with a poor prognosis (5-year survival rates around 30%).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty swallowing, airway obstruction, metastasis, radiation side effects.
Oral Cavity Cancer (e.g., Tongue, Lips, Gums)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Head and Neck Cancers
Symptoms:
sore or ulcer on the tongue, lips, or gums; unexplained bleeding in the mouth; pain when swallowing; lumps in the mouth or neck; persistent bad breath
Root Cause:
Malignant growths in the oral cavity, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Oral examination, biopsy, imaging (CT/MRI), endoscopy, lymph node biopsy.
Treatment:
Surgery (wide excision), radiation therapy, chemotherapy (if advanced).
Medications:
Chemotherapy agents like Cisplatin , 5-FU, and Docetaxel ; targeted therapies such as Cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in older adults, especially those with a history of tobacco or alcohol use.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, HPV infection.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early-stage cancers have a good prognosis (5-year survival rate around 80-90%), but prognosis worsens in advanced stages.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty swallowing, speech problems, mouth infections, recurrence of the tumor.
Esophageal Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); unintended weight loss; chest pain; hoarseness; persistent cough; heartburn; regurgitation of food or liquids
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the esophagus, often associated with Barrett’s esophagus, chronic acid reflux (GERD), tobacco use, or alcohol consumption.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Upper endoscopy with biopsy, barium swallow study, imaging (CT scan, PET scan, or MRI), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for staging.
Treatment:
Treatment varies by stage and includes surgery (esophagectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Medications:
Medications include chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin (a platinum-based chemotherapy agent) and fluorouracil (a pyrimidine analog), targeted therapy like trastuzumab (for HER2-positive tumors), and immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 20,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States; more common in men and in regions with high tobacco and alcohol use.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, obesity, older age, and male gender.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis; 5-year survival rate ranges from 20% to 45% for localized cancer but is lower for advanced stages.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, esophageal strictures, metastasis to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or other organs.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Breast Cancer
Symptoms:
typically asymptomatic, but may include a lump, nipple discharge, or calcifications detected on a mammogram
Root Cause:
Non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are contained within the milk ducts of the breast and have not spread to surrounding tissues.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Mammogram (often showing microcalcifications), core needle biopsy, and sometimes breast MRI.
Treatment:
Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), often followed by radiation therapy; hormonal therapy in hormone receptor-positive cases.
Medications:
Hormonal therapy, such as tamoxifen (a selective estrogen receptor modulator) or aromatase inhibitors, to reduce recurrence risk in hormone receptor-positive cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for about 20% of newly diagnosed breast cancers; more common in postmenopausal women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of breast cancer, prior chest radiation, hormone replacement therapy, obesity, older age, early menarche, and late menopause.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely diagnosis and treatment; nearly 100% survival rate if treated before progression to invasive cancer.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential progression to invasive ductal carcinoma, treatment-related side effects (e.g., from surgery or radiation).
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Breast Cancer
Symptoms:
palpable breast lump; changes in breast size or shape; nipple retraction; nipple discharge; skin dimpling (peau d'orange)
Root Cause:
Malignant cells that begin in the milk ducts and invade surrounding breast tissue, with potential to metastasize.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical breast exam, imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI), and biopsy (core needle or excisional).
Treatment:
Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapies depending on receptor status (e.g., HER2 or hormone receptors).
Medications:
Hormonal therapy - tamoxifen , aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole , letrozole , exemestane ). Targeted therapy - trastuzumab , pertuzumab (HER2-positive cases). Chemotherapy - anthracyclines (doxorubicin ), taxanes (paclitaxel , docetaxel ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The most common type of breast cancer, accounting for 70–80% of cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2), prolonged estrogen exposure, alcohol use, obesity, older age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable based on stage and receptor status; generally excellent in early-stage cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis (lymph nodes, bone, lungs, liver), lymphedema, treatment-related effects (fatigue, hair loss, cardiac toxicity from trastuzumab).
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Breast Cancer
Symptoms:
subtle thickening or hardening in the breast; asymmetry of breasts; nipple inversion; changes in breast texture; may not form a distinct lump
Root Cause:
Cancer originates in the milk-producing lobules and invades surrounding breast tissue; potential for metastasis.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy; imaging may be less sensitive compared to IDC.
Treatment:
Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, hormonal therapy for hormone receptor-positive cases, and chemotherapy if needed.
Medications:
Hormonal therapy
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 10–15% of invasive breast cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Similar to IDC
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable in early stages; slightly higher risk of bilateral breast cancer compared to IDC.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to unusual sites (e.g., gastrointestinal tract), treatment-related side effects.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Breast Cancer
Symptoms:
breast lump; breast swelling; breast pain; skin changes; nipple discharge; symptoms may progress quickly
Root Cause:
Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it more aggressive and less responsive to hormonal or HER2-targeted therapies.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI), biopsy with immunohistochemistry to confirm receptor status.
Treatment:
Chemotherapy (often anthracycline- or taxane-based), surgery, radiation therapy; emerging targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors (e.g., olaparib).
Medications:
Chemotherapy (paclitaxel , carboplatin ), immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., atezolizumab ), PARP inhibitors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
10–20% of breast cancers; more common in younger women and African-American women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
BRCA1 mutation, obesity, younger age, family history, higher prevalence among certain ethnic groups.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poorer prognosis compared to hormone receptor-positive cancers; higher risk of recurrence within 3–5 years.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Early metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy, higher mortality rates.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Breast Cancer
Symptoms:
breast lump; breast swelling; nipple discharge; skin changes; nipple inversion
Root Cause:
Overexpression of the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) protein promotes aggressive cancer cell growth.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect HER2 protein overexpression or gene amplification, alongside imaging and biopsy.
Treatment:
Targeted therapy combined with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
Medications:
Targeted therapy - trastuzumab (HER2 monoclonal antibody), pertuzumab , trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1). Chemotherapy - docetaxel , paclitaxel , carboplatin . Tyrosine kinase inhibitors - lapatinib , neratinib .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
15–20% of breast cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, genetic mutations, obesity, alcohol use, postmenopausal hormone therapy.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improved dramatically with targeted therapies; prognosis depends on stage but generally better than untreated cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Risk of metastasis (brain, liver, lungs), cardiac toxicity from HER2-targeted treatments.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Breast Cancer
Symptoms:
rapid onset of breast swelling; breast redness; breast warmth; breast pain; skin thickening (peau d'orange); inverted nipple; often mistaken for infection
Root Cause:
Aggressive cancer infiltrating lymphatic vessels of the breast skin, leading to characteristic inflammation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI), biopsy of breast tissue and skin, and lymph node assessment.
Treatment:
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by surgery (mastectomy) and radiation therapy. Targeted therapy may be added if HER2-positive or hormone receptor-positive.
Medications:
Chemotherapy - anthracyclines (doxorubicin ), taxanes (paclitaxel , docetaxel ). HER2-targeted therapy - trastuzumab , pertuzumab (if HER2-positive). Hormonal therapy - tamoxifen , aromatase inhibitors (if hormone receptor-positive).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for 1–5% of breast cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Younger age, African-American ethnicity, obesity, late-stage diagnosis.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor compared to other breast cancers due to aggressive nature and high risk of metastasis; 5-year survival rate is lower than other subtypes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Early metastasis, recurrence, lymphedema, treatment-related side effects.
Male Breast Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Breast Cancer
Symptoms:
breast lump; nipple discharge (often bloody); pain; skin changes; nipple inversion
Root Cause:
Malignant growth in breast tissue due to genetic mutations, hormonal imbalances, or environmental factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical breast exam, imaging (mammogram, ultrasound), and biopsy. Hormone receptor and HER2 testing are also performed.
Treatment:
Surgery (mastectomy), often followed by radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or targeted therapy depending on receptor status.
Medications:
Hormonal therapy - tamoxifen (most common). Chemotherapy - taxanes (paclitaxel ), anthracyclines (doxorubicin ). Targeted therapy - trastuzumab (HER2-positive cases).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers; more common in older men.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
BRCA2 mutations, family history, radiation exposure, high estrogen levels (e.g., due to obesity, liver disease, or hormone therapy).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good if detected early; worse outcomes in advanced stages due to lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Late-stage diagnosis, metastasis, treatment-related side effects (e.g., gynecomastia, fatigue).
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
abdominal pain or discomfort; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; unintended weight loss; bloating; heartburn; melena (black, tarry stools); anemia
Root Cause:
Malignant growth in the stomach lining, often linked to Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic gastritis, or genetic predisposition.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Upper endoscopy with biopsy, barium swallow, imaging (CT scan, PET scan), and staging laparoscopy in some cases.
Treatment:
Treatment involves surgery (total or partial gastrectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Medications:
Medications include chemotherapy agents like fluorouracil , oxaliplatin , and capecitabine ; targeted drugs like trastuzumab (HER2-positive tumors) or ramucirumab (anti-VEGFR2); and immunotherapy like nivolumab (anti-PD-1).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 26,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States; more common in East Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
H. pylori infection, smoking, high salt intake, diets low in fruits and vegetables, family history, and obesity.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on stage; 5-year survival is about 70% for early-stage cancer but less than 30% for advanced disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis, gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, or malnutrition following surgery.
Colorectal Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits; abdominal pain; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; persistent bloating; iron-deficiency anemia; narrow stools
Root Cause:
Malignant tumor formation in the colon or rectum, often due to genetic mutations (e.g., APC gene mutations) or progression from adenomatous polyps.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Colonoscopy with biopsy, stool-based tests (FIT, FOBT, or DNA tests), CT colonography, and imaging studies (CT or MRI) for staging.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on stage and includes surgery (colectomy), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy (especially for rectal cancer).
Medications:
Common chemotherapy agents include oxaliplatin , capecitabine , and 5-fluorouracil; targeted therapies include bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) and cetuximab or panitumumab (anti-EGFR for RAS wild-type tumors). Immunotherapy, such as pembrolizumab , is used for MSI-high tumors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Over 150,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States; the third most common cancer worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high red/processed meat consumption, and low fiber intake.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early detection leads to excellent outcomes (90% 5-year survival for localized cancer); advanced cancer has poorer outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bowel obstruction, perforation, metastasis (commonly to liver and lungs), and recurrence after treatment.
Colon Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits; abdominal discomfort; fatigue; unintended weight loss; iron-deficiency anemia
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled cell growth in the colon, often linked to genetic predisposition, diet, or chronic inflammation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Colonoscopy with biopsy, stool-based tests, CT colonography, and imaging (CT/MRI) for staging.
Treatment:
Surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon (colectomy), chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Medications:
Medications include oxaliplatin , irinotecan , and 5-fluorouracil for chemotherapy; targeted drugs like bevacizumab and cetuximab ; immunotherapy for specific genetic profiles.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 100,000 people annually in the United States; more common in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, high-fat diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if detected early, with a 5-year survival rate over 90% for localized disease; poorer outcomes in advanced stages.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bowel obstruction, perforation, metastasis, and secondary cancers.
Rectal Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
rectal bleeding; narrow stools; bowel habit changes; abdominal pain; fatigue; iron-deficiency anemia
Root Cause:
Malignant tumors develop in the rectum, often due to genetic mutations or adenomatous polyps.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Colonoscopy with biopsy, rectal ultrasound, CT/MRI for staging, and stool tests.
Treatment:
Surgery (low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Medications:
Medications include capecitabine and oxaliplatin for chemotherapy; targeted therapies like bevacizumab and cetuximab may also be used.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Around 45,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Similar to colon cancer, including family history, obesity, IBD, and poor diet.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for early-stage rectal cancer; worsens with advanced stages.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bowel obstruction, fistulas, metastasis, and recurrence.
Liver Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
unexplained weight loss; loss of appetite; upper abdominal pain; nausea and vomiting; fatigue; jaundice; swelling in the abdomen; dark-colored urine
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the liver, often linked to chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (AFP levels), imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), and liver biopsy.
Treatment:
Treatment includes surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation therapies (radiofrequency or microwave), embolization, and systemic therapies like targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Medications:
Sorafenib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and lenvatinib are commonly used targeted therapies; atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) with bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) is an immunotherapy combination for advanced cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Over 40,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States; higher prevalence in regions with endemic hepatitis B or C.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic hepatitis infection, alcohol use, cirrhosis, obesity, diabetes, and aflatoxin exposure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on liver function and cancer stage; 5-year survival rate is about 30% overall but better for localized disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver failure, metastasis, portal hypertension, and ascites.
Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
abdominal pain; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; nausea; jaundice; lump in the abdomen
Root Cause:
Rare subtype of HCC occurring in young adults without underlying liver disease; linked to DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion mutation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT, MRI), biopsy, and liver function tests.
Treatment:
Surgical resection is the main treatment; systemic therapies are less effective, though some targeted therapies are under investigation.
Medications:
No established standard systemic therapy; clinical trials for targeted and immunotherapy drugs are ongoing.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of liver cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Not associated with typical liver cancer risk factors; genetic mutations are implicated.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Better prognosis than typical HCC if treated early; 5-year survival rates vary based on resectability.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence after surgery, metastasis to other organs.
Pancreatic Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
jaundice; upper abdominal pain; unintended weight loss; loss of appetite; nausea; dark urine; pale stools; new-onset diabetes
Root Cause:
Malignant tumor in the pancreas, most commonly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, often associated with genetic mutations or chronic inflammation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound), CA 19-9 blood test, and biopsy.
Treatment:
Surgery (Whipple procedure), chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy.
Medications:
Chemotherapy includes gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel; FOLFIRINOX is used for advanced cases; targeted therapies like olaparib (PARP inhibitor) for BRCA-mutated cancers.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 62,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States; often diagnosed at advanced stages.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity, genetic predisposition (e.g., BRCA mutations).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor; 5-year survival rate is about 10% overall, but higher for early-stage resectable tumors.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis, bile duct obstruction, diabetes, and malnutrition.
Gallbladder Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant; jaundice; nausea; vomiting; unintended weight loss; loss of appetite; abdominal swelling; fever
Root Cause:
Malignant tumors originating in the gallbladder, often linked to chronic inflammation, gallstones, or genetic mutations.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and biopsy.
Treatment:
Treatment includes surgical resection (cholecystectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and occasionally targeted therapy.
Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs like gemcitabine and cisplatin are commonly used; targeted therapies are being explored in clinical trials.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 12,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States, with higher prevalence in South America and Southeast Asia.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Gallstones, chronic cholecystitis, obesity, older age, female gender, and a history of bile duct abnormalities.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis; 5-year survival is about 65% for localized cancer but less than 10% for advanced stages.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Biliary obstruction, liver metastasis, and malnutrition.
Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
jaundice; itchy skin; abdominal pain; dark urine; pale stools; unintended weight loss; fatigue
Root Cause:
Malignant growth in the bile ducts, often associated with chronic inflammation, bile duct abnormalities, or liver fluke infections.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (MRI, CT, or MRCP), blood tests for tumor markers (CA 19-9, CEA), and biopsy.
Treatment:
Surgery (bile duct resection or liver transplantation), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
Medications:
Common chemotherapy drugs include gemcitabine and cisplatin ; targeted therapies like ivosidenib (IDH1 inhibitor) are used for specific mutations.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with approximately 8,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), bile duct abnormalities, liver fluke infections, chronic liver disease, and older age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of about 10-15% overall, but better if caught early.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Biliary obstruction, liver failure, and metastasis.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; gastrointestinal bleeding; unintended weight loss; anemia; abdominal swelling
Root Cause:
Rare mesenchymal tumors arising from interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract, often caused by mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT or MRI), endoscopy with biopsy, and molecular testing for KIT or PDGFRA mutations.
Treatment:
Surgery is the primary treatment for localized tumors; systemic therapy is used for advanced or metastatic cases.
Medications:
Targeted therapy with imatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) is the first-line treatment; sunitinib and regorafenib are used for resistant or advanced cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Very rare, with an incidence of 4,000-6,000 cases annually in the United States.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
No strong environmental risk factors; some cases are linked to genetic syndromes like neurofibromatosis type 1.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent for localized tumors treated surgically; 5-year survival rate for metastatic disease is about 50% with effective targeted therapy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tumor rupture leading to peritonitis, metastasis (commonly to the liver), and recurrence.
Anal Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms:
rectal bleeding; pain or pressure in the rectal area; a lump near the anus; itching around the anus; painful bowel movements; change in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhea or constipation)
Root Cause:
Anal cancer typically develops from abnormal cells in the anus that grow uncontrollably. It is often associated with infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV types 16 and 18.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (including a digital rectal exam). Anoscopy or proctoscopy to examine the anus and rectum. Biopsy of suspicious tissue. Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, or PET scan) to determine the extent of cancer spread.
Treatment:
Radiation therapy, often combined with chemotherapy, is the standard treatment. Surgery may be considered for advanced cases, typically when there is a tumor that hasn't responded to radiation or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, typically with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C, is often used in conjunction with radiation for locally advanced disease.
Medications:
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) - A chemotherapy drug that interferes with the cancer cell's ability to divide and grow. Mitomycin C - A chemotherapy drug that inhibits DNA synthesis in cancer cells. Cisplatin - A platinum-based chemotherapy that can be used for more advanced cases. Radiation sensitizers - Medications that enhance the effectiveness of radiation, such as cisplatin .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Anal cancer is relatively rare, accounting for about 2% of all gastrointestinal cancers in the United States. It is more common in people with a history of HPV infection, particularly those with HIV.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), especially types 16 and 18. HIV/AIDS, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. Anal intercourse. A history of other cancers, such as cervical cancer. Smoking. Weakened immune system (e.g., organ transplant recipients, immunosuppressive medications).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis for anal cancer is generally good if it is diagnosed at an early stage and treated appropriately, with a 5-year survival rate of about 65-80%. The prognosis worsens for individuals diagnosed at later stages when the cancer has spread.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to lymph nodes or distant organs (e.g., liver or lungs). Bowel dysfunction or incontinence following radiation therapy or surgery. Sexual dysfunction or psychological effects due to treatment, particularly in individuals who undergo surgery. Recurrence of cancer, particularly if not all of the tumor was removed or treated effectively.
Prostate Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
frequent urination; weak or interrupted urine flow; blood in urine or semen; pelvic discomfort; bone pain (in advanced stages); erectile dysfunction
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the prostate gland, often due to genetic mutations and hormonal imbalances.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, biopsy, MRI, and bone scans for staging.
Treatment:
Surgery (radical prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy (e.g., PARP inhibitors).
Medications:
Medications include androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) agents such as leuprolide (a GnRH agonist) and enzalutamide (an androgen receptor inhibitor). Chemotherapy drugs like docetaxel or cabazitaxel and targeted agents like olaparib (a PARP inhibitor) may also be prescribed.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, with an estimated 1.4 million cases annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age (over 50), African ancestry, family history of prostate cancer, BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, high-fat diet.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable if detected early; localized prostate cancer has a 5-year survival rate of nearly 100%, but metastatic cases have a poorer outlook.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bone metastases, and complications from treatment like bowel dysfunction.
Bladder Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
blood in urine (hematuria); frequent urination; painful urination; pelvic pain; back pain (in advanced stages)
Root Cause:
Abnormal growth of malignant cells in the bladder lining, often linked to tobacco exposure or carcinogenic chemicals.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Urinalysis, cystoscopy, biopsy, urine cytology, CT urogram, or MRI.
Treatment:
Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), intravesical therapy (e.g., BCG), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radical cystectomy in advanced cases.
Medications:
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an immunotherapy for non-invasive bladder cancer. Chemotherapy agents include cisplatin and gemcitabine . Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitor) may also be used.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide, with over 570,000 cases annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, occupational exposure to chemicals (e.g., dyes, rubber), chronic bladder inflammation, and age (more common in individuals over 55).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies based on stage; early-stage bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate but good survival with treatment. Advanced stages have a poorer prognosis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Urinary obstruction, kidney damage, metastasis to other organs, and complications from radical surgery.
Urothelial Carcinoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
blood in urine (hematuria); frequent or painful urination; lower back pain; pelvic pain (advanced stages)
Root Cause:
Malignant growth of transitional cells in the urothelial lining, primarily affecting the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Cystoscopy, biopsy, urine cytology, CT urogram, and MRI.
Treatment:
TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor), intravesical therapy (e.g., BCG), systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors), and surgery for advanced stages.
Medications:
Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is common, often combined with gemcitabine . Immunotherapies like atezolizumab and pembrolizumab (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) are used for advanced cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Urothelial carcinoma accounts for 90% of all bladder cancers; approximately 570,000 cases occur worldwide annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, exposure to industrial chemicals, age (typically over 55), chronic bladder irritation or infections.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early-stage urothelial carcinoma has a good prognosis with treatment; invasive cases have a higher risk of recurrence and metastasis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Urinary tract obstruction, renal failure, metastases to lungs, liver, or bones.
Kidney Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
blood in urine; persistent back pain; lump or mass in the abdomen; unexplained weight loss; fatigue
Root Cause:
Malignant growth of cells in the kidney, often arising from the renal tubules, caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, biopsy, and urine or blood tests.
Treatment:
Surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and, in some cases, radiation therapy or ablation.
Medications:
Targeted therapies like sunitinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) or nivolumab (PD-1 inhibitor) are used. Immunotherapies include pembrolizumab or ipilimumab .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 3-5% of all cancers, with over 430,000 cases annually worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, family history of kidney cancer, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Localized kidney cancer has a good prognosis with surgical treatment; metastatic cases have a poorer outlook.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Spread to lungs, liver, bones, and complications from kidney function loss.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
blood in urine; flank pain; unexplained weight loss; fever; fatigue
Root Cause:
A subtype of kidney cancer originating in the renal tubules due to genetic mutations and environmental triggers.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging tests (CT, MRI, ultrasound), biopsy, and blood tests (to assess kidney function).
Treatment:
Surgery (nephrectomy), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and in advanced cases, systemic therapies.
Medications:
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors like pazopanib and axitinib ; immunotherapies such as nivolumab (PD-1 inhibitor) or combination therapies like ipilimumab with nivolumab .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer, comprising about 85% of cases globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, obesity, hypertension, genetic predisposition (e.g., von Hippel-Lindau syndrome), chronic kidney disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High survival rates if detected early; metastatic RCC is challenging to treat and has a worse prognosis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tumor metastasis, loss of kidney function, paraneoplastic syndromes.
Testicular Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
painless lump or swelling in the testicle; ache or heaviness in the lower abdomen or scrotum; sudden fluid collection in the scrotum; breast tenderness or growth (gynecomastia); back pain (in advanced stages)
Root Cause:
Malignant growth in the testicles, often caused by genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, ultrasound, blood tests for tumor markers (e.g., AFP, HCG, LDH), and biopsy (usually post-orchiectomy).
Treatment:
Surgery (radical inguinal orchiectomy), radiation therapy (for seminomas), and chemotherapy (e.g., BEP regimen – bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin).
Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin , etoposide , and bleomycin are standard treatments for advanced testicular cancer.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Testicular cancer is rare but the most common cancer in men aged 15–35, with about 95,000 new cases annually worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle), family history, HIV infection, Caucasian ethnicity, and prior testicular cancer.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly favorable; the 5-year survival rate exceeds 95%, even in advanced cases with chemotherapy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infertility, secondary cancers due to chemotherapy or radiation, and metastasis to lungs, liver, or brain.
Seminoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
painless swelling or lump in the testicle; dull ache in the scrotum or abdomen; gynecomastia (breast tenderness or enlargement); fatigue; back pain in advanced stages
Root Cause:
A type of germ cell tumor in the testes, characterized by slow growth and high radiosensitivity.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ultrasound, blood tests for tumor markers (HCG, LDH), and post-orchiectomy histopathological examination.
Treatment:
Radical inguinal orchiectomy, followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy depending on the stage.
Medications:
Chemotherapy agents such as carboplatin or cisplatin-based regimens. Radiation therapy is often used for early-stage seminomas.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Seminomas account for about 50% of all testicular cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Cryptorchidism, family history of testicular cancer, Caucasian ethnicity, and genetic predispositions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent, with nearly 100% survival for early-stage seminomas and high survival rates even in advanced cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare in early stages; advanced cases may metastasize to lymph nodes or lungs.
Non-Seminoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
testicular lump or swelling; lower abdominal or back pain; gynecomastia; fatigue; cough or shortness of breath (if metastasized)
Root Cause:
Aggressive germ cell tumors of the testes, often presenting as mixed histologies (e.g., embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, teratoma).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ultrasound, tumor markers (e.g., AFP, HCG, LDH), CT scans for staging, and biopsy post-orchiectomy.
Treatment:
Radical inguinal orchiectomy followed by chemotherapy (BEP regimen) or surgery for residual tumors.
Medications:
Bleomycin , etoposide , and cisplatin are standard chemotherapeutic drugs used.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Non-seminomas account for approximately 40-50% of testicular cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Similar to seminomas, including cryptorchidism, genetic predispositions, and prior testicular cancer.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable for early stages, but lower survival rates compared to seminomas for advanced disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to lungs, liver, and brain; complications from intensive chemotherapy.
Penile Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
lump or sore on the penis; redness or thickening of penile skin; discharge or bleeding; pain during urination or intercourse
Root Cause:
Malignant growth of squamous cells in the penile tissue, often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, biopsy, imaging (MRI or CT for staging), and HPV testing.
Treatment:
Surgery (partial or total penectomy), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic cases.
Medications:
Chemotherapy agents include cisplatin , fluorouracil , and docetaxel .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an incidence of about 1 case per 100,000 men worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HPV infection, poor hygiene, uncircumcised status, smoking, phimosis, and older age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early-stage penile cancer has a good prognosis with surgical treatment; advanced or metastatic cases have a poorer outlook.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Lymphatic spread, disfigurement, urinary dysfunction, and metastasis to other organs.
Urethral Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Genitourinary Cancers
Symptoms:
difficulty urinating; blood in urine; pelvic pain; discharge from the urethra; swelling in the groin
Root Cause:
Malignant tumors forming in the urethral lining, often associated with chronic inflammation or prior cancer history.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Cystoscopy, biopsy, imaging (CT, MRI), and urinalysis.
Treatment:
Surgery (partial or total urethrectomy), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for invasive cases.
Medications:
Chemotherapy regimens may include cisplatin and fluorouracil for advanced disease.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; more common in women and individuals with chronic urinary tract infections or bladder cancer history.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic inflammation, prior bladder cancer, HPV infection, and advanced age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early diagnosis offers better outcomes, but advanced stages carry a higher risk of recurrence and metastasis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Urinary obstruction, kidney damage, metastases to lymph nodes or distant organs.
Ovarian Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gynecologic Cancers
Symptoms:
abdominal bloating or swelling; pelvic or abdominal pain; difficulty eating or feeling full quickly; frequent urination; fatigue; unexplained weight loss; menstrual irregularities
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the ovaries, often originating from the epithelial lining of the ovary.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), CT or MRI imaging, CA-125 blood test, and biopsy.
Treatment:
Treatment typically includes surgery (e.g., oophorectomy or debulking surgery), chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Medications:
Platinum-based chemotherapy agents (e.g., carboplatin , cisplatin ), taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel , docetaxel ), PARP inhibitors (e.g., olaparib , niraparib , rucaparib ), and anti-angiogenesis drugs (e.g., bevacizumab ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 78 women; lifetime risk is about 1.3%.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations, Lynch syndrome, early menstruation or late menopause, nulliparity, and endometriosis.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis; 5-year survival rate is approximately 49%, with higher survival rates for early-stage disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intestinal obstruction, ascites, metastasis to distant organs, recurrence, and complications related to treatment such as neuropathy or anemia.
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gynecologic Cancers
Symptoms:
persistent pelvic or abdominal pain; bloating; early satiety; abnormal bleeding; fatigue; weight loss
Root Cause:
Abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells on the surface of the ovary or fallopian tube, often associated with genetic mutations such as BRCA1/BRCA2.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Transvaginal ultrasound, CA-125 blood test, imaging (CT/MRI), and surgical biopsy.
Treatment:
Surgery to remove tumors and affected tissues, followed by chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy.
Medications:
Carboplatin and paclitaxel are standard first-line treatments; PARP inhibitors (e.g., olaparib ) are used in cases of BRCA mutations.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for 85–90% of cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
BRCA mutations, older age, family history, endometriosis, and hormone replacement therapy.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly dependent on stage at diagnosis; 5-year survival rate is 90% for localized disease but drops significantly for advanced stages.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Spread to abdominal organs, bowel obstruction, and recurrence.
Cervical Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gynecologic Cancers
Symptoms:
abnormal vaginal bleeding; pain during intercourse; pelvic pain; foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled cell growth in the cervix, often caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV types (e.g., HPV 16 and 18).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Pap smear, HPV DNA test, colposcopy, and biopsy.
Treatment:
Surgery (e.g., hysterectomy), radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Medications:
Cisplatin or carboplatin , often combined with radiation therapy; pembrolizumab for advanced or recurrent cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Fourth most common cancer in women worldwide; higher incidence in low-resource settings.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HPV infection, multiple sexual partners, smoking, immunosuppression, and lack of regular Pap screening.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for early-stage disease, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90%; drops significantly for advanced stages.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Spread to nearby organs, lymph node involvement, recurrence, and treatment-related infertility.
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gynecologic Cancers
Symptoms:
abnormal uterine bleeding; pelvic pain; pain during intercourse; unexplained weight loss
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled growth of cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), often related to hormonal imbalances such as excess estrogen.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endometrial biopsy, transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and imaging (CT/MRI).
Treatment:
Surgery (hysterectomy and removal of ovaries), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Medications:
Progestins (e.g., medroxyprogesterone , megestrol acetate), chemotherapy agents (e.g., carboplatin , paclitaxel ), and immunotherapy (e.g., pembrolizumab for advanced cases).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries, with an estimated lifetime risk of 3%.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), unopposed estrogen therapy, tamoxifen use, and Lynch syndrome.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for early-stage disease, with a 5-year survival rate of 90%; worsens with advanced disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Spread to other pelvic organs, recurrence, and treatment-related side effects such as lymphedema or menopause symptoms.
Vaginal Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gynecologic Cancers
Symptoms:
abnormal vaginal bleeding; vaginal discharge; pelvic pain; pain during intercourse; lump in the vagina
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the vaginal lining, often associated with high-risk HPV infection.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Pelvic exam, Pap smear, colposcopy, biopsy, and imaging (CT/MRI).
Treatment:
Surgery (e.g., vaginectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.
Medications:
Cisplatin is often used in combination with radiation therapy.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for about 1–2% of gynecologic cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HPV infection, history of cervical cancer, smoking, and DES (diethylstilbestrol) exposure in utero.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on stage; 5-year survival rate is approximately 50–70% for localized disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence, metastasis, and treatment-related side effects such as scarring or infertility.
Vulvar Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gynecologic Cancers
Symptoms:
itching or burning of the vulva; lump or sore on the vulva; pain during urination; bleeding not related to menstruation
Root Cause:
Malignant growth in the external female genitalia, often related to HPV infection or chronic vulvar inflammatory conditions.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, biopsy, and imaging (CT/MRI or PET scan).
Treatment:
Surgery (e.g., vulvectomy), radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Medications:
Cisplatin and fluorouracil (5-FU) are commonly used in advanced or recurrent cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for about 4% of gynecologic cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HPV infection, older age, lichen sclerosus, smoking, and weakened immune system.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for early-stage disease, with a 5-year survival rate of 70–80%; worse for advanced disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence, metastasis, and disfigurement from surgery.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (e.g., Choriocarcinoma)
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Gynecologic Cancers
Symptoms:
vaginal bleeding; elevated hcg levels; pelvic pain; persistent nausea and vomiting; shortness of breath (in metastatic cases)
Root Cause:
Abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic cells, which are involved in pregnancy, often resulting in molar pregnancy or invasive choriocarcinoma.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Elevated hCG levels, ultrasound, chest X-ray (for metastasis), and biopsy.
Treatment:
Chemotherapy for most cases; surgery (e.g., hysterectomy) may be required in resistant cases.
Medications:
Methotrexate , actinomycin D, or EMA-CO (etoposide , methotrexate , actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide , and vincristine ) for high-risk cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in 1 in 1,000 pregnancies for molar pregnancies and fewer for choriocarcinoma.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced maternal age, prior molar pregnancy, and Asian ethnicity.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent for low-risk disease, with nearly 100% cure rate; high-risk cases also have good outcomes with appropriate treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to the lungs, brain, or liver; infertility in rare cases; chemotherapy-related side effects.
Primary CNS Lymphoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Symptoms:
headaches; cognitive impairment; neurological deficits; seizures; blurred vision or eye pain; weakness
Root Cause:
High-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma originating within the CNS, often involving the brain, spinal cord, or eyes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast, biopsy for histological confirmation, CSF analysis, and blood tests for systemic lymphoma exclusion.
Treatment:
High-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy, sometimes combined with rituximab; whole-brain radiotherapy is considered for refractory cases.
Medications:
High-dose methotrexate (antimetabolite), rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody), corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) for symptom control.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for approximately 1% of all primary brain tumors, more common in immunocompromised individuals.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis has improved with methotrexate-based treatment; median survival is 2-5 years. Relapse is common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neurological deficits, tumor recurrence, systemic spread (rare), treatment-related neurotoxicity.
Thyroid Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers
Symptoms:
lump or swelling in the neck; hoarseness; difficulty swallowing; persistent cough not due to a cold; neck pain; enlarged lymph nodes
Root Cause:
Abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland, which may be caused by genetic mutations, radiation exposure, or other factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, thyroid ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, blood tests (TSH, thyroglobulin), imaging (CT, MRI), and radioactive iodine scans.
Treatment:
Treatment options include surgery (thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine therapy, external beam radiation, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy.
Medications:
Targeted therapy drugs such as sorafenib and lenvatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) may be prescribed. Hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) is commonly required after thyroidectomy.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1% of all cancers globally; more common in women and often diagnosed in individuals aged 30–60.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of thyroid cancer, exposure to radiation, genetic mutations (e.g., RET proto-oncogene), iodine deficiency, and female sex.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable, especially for differentiated thyroid cancers like papillary and follicular types; survival rates exceed 90% with early diagnosis and treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent cancer, metastasis to other organs (lungs, bones), hypothyroidism after treatment, and damage to nearby structures (e.g., vocal cords, parathyroid glands).
Parathyroid Cancer
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers
Symptoms:
neck mass; hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels); fatigue; weakness; kidney stones; bone pain
Root Cause:
Rare malignant tumor of the parathyroid gland, often resulting in overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to hypercalcemia.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Elevated calcium and PTH levels in blood tests, neck ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans).
Treatment:
Surgical excision of the parathyroid tumor, with lymph node dissection if needed. Chemotherapy and radiation may be used for advanced disease.
Medications:
Cinacalcet (calcium-sensing receptor agonist to lower calcium), bisphosphonates (to manage bone pain and prevent fractures), and pazopanib (targeted therapy for advanced disease).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of parathyroid disorders.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous radiation exposure, hyperparathyroidism, and familial hyperparathyroidism.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on early detection and complete surgical resection; survival rates are lower in advanced cases due to frequent recurrence.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence of cancer, metastasis (especially to lungs and bones), hypercalcemia-related issues like kidney stones and osteoporosis.
Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma
Specialty: Oncology
Category: Solid Tumors
Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers
Symptoms:
abdominal pain; back pain; weight loss; hypertension; fatigue; excessive hair growth (in women)
Root Cause:
Rare and aggressive cancer of the adrenal cortex; often associated with mutations in the TP53 gene or familial syndromes like Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT, MRI), blood tests for hormone levels (cortisol, aldosterone, etc.), biopsy, and genetic testing for mutations.
Treatment:
Surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy (etoposide, doxorubicin), and mitotane (a drug used to treat adrenal cancer).
Medications:
Mitotane (adrenal cytotoxic drug), etoposide (chemotherapy), doxorubicin (chemotherapy).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Very rare, accounting for less than 0.5% of all cancers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is poor with a 5-year survival rate of 15–40% for localized disease; survival rates drop significantly for advanced cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to liver, lungs, and lymph nodes; recurrence after treatment; and hormonal imbalances leading to Cushing's syndrome, Conn's syndrome, or virilization.