Thyroid Cancer

February 17th, 2007 by cancer

Thyroid Cancer

Definition of thyroid cancer: Cancer that forms in the thyroid gland (an organ at the base of the throat that makes hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight). Four main types of thyroid cancer are papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. The four types are based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope.

Estimated new cases and deaths from thyroid cancer in the United States in 2007:
 
  New cases: 33,550
 
 
  Deaths: 1,530

Prostate Cancer

February 17th, 2007 by cancer

Prostate Cancer

Definition of prostate cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.

Estimated new cases and deaths from prostate cancer in the United States in 2007:
 
  New cases: 218,890
 
 
  Deaths: 27,050

Pancreatic Cancer

February 17th, 2007 by cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Definition of pancreatic cancer: A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the pancreas. Also called exocrine cancer.

Estimated new cases and deaths from pancreatic cancer in the United States in 2007:
 
  New cases: 37,170
 
 
  Deaths: 33,370

Melanoma

February 17th, 2007 by cancer

Melanoma

Definition of melanoma: A form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes (the cells that make the pigment melanin). Melanoma usually begins in a mole.

Estimated new cases and deaths from melanoma in the United States in 2007:
 
  New cases: 59,940
 
 
  Deaths: 8,110

Lung Cancer

February 17th, 2007 by cancer

Lung Cancer

Definition of lung cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining air passages. The two main types are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. These types are diagnosed based on how the cells look under a microscope.

Estimated new cases and deaths from lung cancer (non-small cell and small cell combined) in the United States in 2007:
 
  New cases: 213,380
 
 
  Deaths: 160,390