Conditions
Cancers Treated at Carilion Clinic
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is cancer that grows in the male prostate gland, a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old, but is rarely found in men younger than 40. The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although some studies have shown a relationship between high dietary fat intake and increased testosterone levels. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause symptoms. A rectal exam often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.
A number of tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Treatment options vary based on the stage of the tumor and can include surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs, the two organs found in the chest that help you breathe. The deadliest type of cancer for both men and women, lung cancer kills more people than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. Lung cancer is more common in older adults; it is rare in people under age 45.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. However, lung cancer has occurred in people who have never smoked. Secondhand smoke (breathing the smoke of others) increases your risk of lung cancer. Early lung cancer may not cause any symptoms. Many times, lung cancer is found when an x-ray is done for another reason. In some cases, the health care provider may need to perform a biopsy and remove a piece of tissue from your lungs for examination under a microscope.
Treatment depends on the specific type of lung cancer. Each type is treated differently. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be needed.
Brain Tumors - Adults
A primary brain tumor is a group (mass) of abnormal cells that start in the brain. Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also indirectly damage cells by producing inflammation, compressing other parts of the brain as the tumor grows, causing swelling in the brain, and increasing pressure within the skull.
The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown because they are rare, there are many types, and there are many possible risk factors that could play a role. Tumors may occur at any age, but many specific tumors have a particular age group in which they are most common. In adults, gliomas and meningiomas are most common. The specific symptoms depend on the tumor's size, location, degree of invasion, and related swelling. Headaches, seizures, weakness in one part of the body, and changes in the person's mental functions are most common. Treatment can involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Brain Tumors - Children
A primary brain tumor is a group (mass) of abnormal cells that start in the brain. Brain tumors can directly destroy brain cells. The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. Brain tumors are classified depending on the exact site of the tumor, the type of tissue involved, and whether or not it is cancerous. While tumors may occur at any age, most are rare in the first year of life.
Some of the most common childhood brain tumors include astrocytomas, brain stem gliomas, ependymomas, and medulloblastomas. The specific symptoms vary, but may include: headaches, vomiting, nausea, personality and behavior changes, mood swings [note: source document cited ‘mood wings’], and loss of memory.
A physical exam can often identify signs and symptoms that are specific to the location of the tumor. However, some tumors may not cause symptoms until they are very large and cause a rapid decline in the child's mental function. Treatment, depends on the size and type of tumor and the general health of the child, and can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Sometimes referred to as "colorectal cancer," such cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. (However, early diagnosis often leads to a complete cure.) There is no single cause for colon cancer.
Nearly all colon cancers begin as non-cancerous (benign) polyps, which slowly develop into cancer. Many cases of colon cancer have no symptoms. The following symptoms, however, may indicate colon cancer: abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen; blood in the stool; diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits; intestinal obstruction.
With proper screening, colon cancer can be detected BEFORE symptoms develop, when it is most curable. Treatment depends partly on the stage of the cancer. In general, treatments may include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. If left unchecked, these cancer cells can spread from the skin into other tissues and organs. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the Unites States. Skin cancer can develop in anyone. Young, healthy people – even those with dark skin, hair, and eyes – can develop skin cancer.
Skin cancers may have many different appearances. They can be small, shiny, waxy, scaly and rough, firm and red, crusty or bleeding, or have other features. Any suspicious mole, sore, or skin growth should be looked at by a physician immediately. You should take seriously any changes in a mole or any sudden growth on the skin. Different types of skin cancer require different treatment approaches. Surgical removal of the cancer is very common.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women. It is much less common in the United States because of routine use of Pap smears. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papilloma virus), a common virus that is spread through sexual intercourse.
Most often, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. Symptoms may include: continuous vaginal discharge; abnormal vaginal bleeding; periods that become heavier and last longer than usual. Pre-cancerous changes of the cervix and cervical cancer can not be seen with the naked eye. Special tests and tools are needed to spot such conditions. Pap smears screen for pre-cancers and cancer, but do not offer the final diagnosis. Treatment of cervical cancer may include surgery, hysterectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus (womb) and is the most common type of uterine cancer. Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, increased levels of estrogen appear to play a role. Most cases of endometrial cancer occur between the ages of 60 and 70 years, but a few cases may occur before age 40.
Symptoms include: abnormal uterine bleeding or abnormal menstrual periods; extremely long, heavy, or frequent episodes of vaginal bleeding after age 40; Lower abdominal pain or pelvic cramping; and thin white or clear vaginal discharge after menopause. A pelvic examination is frequently normal, especially in the early stages of disease. Changes in the size, shape, or feel of the uterus or surrounding structures may be seen when the disease is more advanced. Treatment options involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast. Over the course of a lifetime, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Early breast cancer usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular breast exams are important. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and risk factors, and then perform a physical exam, which includes both breasts, armpits, and the neck and chest area.
Additional tests may include: mammography, breast MRI, breast ultrasound, and breast biopsy. If your doctor learns that you do have breast cancer, additional tests will be done to see if the cancer has spread. Treatment is based on many factors and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Other treatments may include hormonal therapy, and targeted (biologic) therapy.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a malignancy (cancer) of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The first sign of this cancer is often an enlarged lymph node which appears without a known cause. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes and later may spread to the lungs, liver, or bone marrow. The cause is not known.
Hodgkin's lymphoma is most common among people 15 to 35 and 50 to 70 years old. Symptoms may include: painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin (swollen glands); fatigue; night sweats; weight loss; loss of appetite; and generalized itching. The disease may be diagnosed after biopsy. A staging evaluation is necessary to determine the treatment plan. Treatment varies with the stage of the disease and may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymphoid tissue that makes up the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system. Most lymphomas start in a type of white blood cell called B lymphocytes. For most patients, the cause of the cancer is unknown. However, lymphomas may develop in people with weakened immune systems.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can cause a variety of symptoms that may include: swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, groin, or other areas; fatigue; fever; excessive sweating with night sweats; unintentional weight loss; and severe itching. The doctor will perform a physical exam and feel lymph nodes to see if they are swollen.
Additional tests may include: biopsy; CT scan; blood test; X-ray; and PET scan. Treatment depends on how quickly the cancer spreads, the stage of the cancer when you are first diagnosed, and symptoms. Treatment typically includes chemotherapy and radioimmunotherapy. In select cases, a stem cell transplant may be needed.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a group of bone marrow diseases involving an uncontrolled increase in white blood cells (leukocytes). For information about a specific type of leukemia, see the following:
- Hairy cell leukemia
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
See also leukemia resources.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a cancerous (malignant) bone tumor that usually develops during the period of rapid growth that occurs in adolescence as a teenager matures into an adult. Osteosarcoma is the most common cancerous bone tumor in youth. The average age at diagnosis is 15. Boys and girls have a similar incidence of this tumor until late adolescence, at which time boys are more commonly affected. The cause is not known. In some cases, osteosarcoma runs in families and at least one gene has been linked to increased risk.
Symptoms may include: fracture (may occur after what seems like a routine movement); bone pain; limitation of motion; limping (with leg tumors); pain when lifting (with arm tumors); tenderness, swelling, or redness at the site of the tumor. Diagnostic tests include: blood test; bone scan; CT scan; biopsy; and X-ray. Treatment usually starts after a biopsy of the tumor and includes chemotherapy and surgery.
Bone Tumors
A bone tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the bone that may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). While the cause of bone tumors is unknown, they often arise in areas of rapid growth. Osteochondromas are the most common noncancerous bone tumors, and occur most often in people between the ages of 10 and 20. Some benign bone tumors go away without treatment. Some benign tumors have no symptoms.
Symptoms may include: bone fracture, especially fracture from slight injury (trauma); bone pain, may be worse at night; occasionally a mass and swelling can be felt at the tumor site. Tumors are identified through alkaline phosphatase exam, bone biopsy, bone scan, MRI, or bone X-ray. Benign bone tumors may not require treatment, but may be looked at regularly to check if they grow or shrink. Surgical removal of the tumor may be necessary. Radiation therapy with chemotherapy or hormone therapy is often used.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor within the bladder. In the United States, bladder cancers usually start from the cells lining the bladder (transitional cells). As with most other cancers, the exact cause is uncertain. While most of the symptoms (blood in the urine, urinary frequency, painful urination, and urinary urgency) can be associated with bladder cancer, they can also be associated with non-cancerous conditions.
Nevertheless, medical evaluation is critical. A physical examination will be performed, including a rectal and pelvic exam. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include urinalysis, urine cytology, cystoscopy, bladder biopsy, and intravenous pyelogram. The choice of an appropriate treatment is based on the stage of the tumor, the severity of the symptoms, and the presence of other medical conditions. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or surgery.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer in which the cancerous cells are found in the lining of very small tubes (tubules) in the kidney. The most common type of kidney cancer in adults, renal cell carcinoma occurs most often in people 50 - 70 years old, and typically affects men. The exact cause is unknown. Symptoms may include: abdominal pain; abnormal urine color (dark, rusty, or brown); back pain; blood in the urine; emaciated, thin, malnourished appearance; enlargement of one testicle; flank pain; swelling or enlargement of the abdomen; unintentional weight loss of more than 5% of body weight.
Palpation of the abdomen may show a mass or organ enlargement, particularly of the kidney or liver. Men may have a varicocele (enlarged vein) [note: I added this definition] in the testicles. Surgical removal of all or part of the kidney (nephrectomy) is recommended. This may include removing the bladder or surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Additional treatment includes hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth and most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with 70-80% of oral cancer cases. Other risks include poor dental and oral hygiene and chronic irritation (such as that from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings). Men get oral cancer twice as often as women, particularly men older than 40. Symptoms include skin lesion, lump, or ulcer.
A mouth exam by a health care provider or dentist may show a visible or palpable (can be felt) lesion of the lip, tongue, or other mouth area. A tongue biopsy, gum biopsy, and microscopic examination of the lesion confirm the diagnosis of oral cancer. Surgical excision (removal) of the tumor is usually recommended if the tumor is small enough. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy would likely be used when the tumor is larger or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck. Surgery may be necessary for large tumors.
Throat or Larynx Cancer
Cancer of the throat is cancer of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), or other areas of the throat. People who smoke, use other tobacco, or use alcohol excessively are at risk of developing throat cancer. Most throat cancers develop in adults older than 50. Men are 10 times more likely than women to develop throat cancers. Symptoms include: abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds; cough; coughing up blood; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness of more than 1 to 2 weeks; neck pain; sore throat of more than 1 to 2 weeks, even with antibiotics; swelling in the neck; and unintentional weight loss. A neck and throat examination may show throat cancer.
Biopsy and analysis of tissues that appear abnormal may confirm the presence of a cancerous tumor. Surgery or radiation therapy alone can be used to eliminate a small tumor. When the tumor is larger or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, a combination or radiation and chemotherapy is often used to preserve the voice box. Surgical removal of the tumor may be necessary in some cases.
