Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) – Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It progresses slowly and is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Over time, these abnormal cells can crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to symptoms like fatigue, infections, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease often begins with no symptoms and is usually detected during routine blood tests. As it advances, it can affect the immune system’s ability to function properly.
AL amyloidosis – AL amyloidosis is a condition where abnormal protein deposits, known as amyloids, accumulate in tissues and organs. This buildup can interfere with normal function, leading to symptoms that vary depending on the organs affected. Commonly involved organs include the heart, kidneys, liver, and nerves. The disease progresses as more amyloid deposits form, potentially causing organ damage. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, and swelling.
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma – Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that forms in the squamous cells lining the esophagus. It typically develops in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus. The disease progresses as the cancer cells grow and invade deeper layers of the esophagus and potentially spread to nearby tissues. Symptoms often include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and chest pain. As it advances, it can obstruct the esophagus, making it difficult to eat or drink.
Myeloma – Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in bone marrow. It progresses by causing an overproduction of abnormal plasma cells, which can crowd out healthy blood cells. This can lead to bone damage, kidney problems, and weakened immune function. Symptoms may include bone pain, fatigue, and frequent infections. The disease often affects multiple areas of the body, particularly the bones.
Cholangiocarcinoma – Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer that forms in the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. It progresses by growing within the bile ducts and potentially spreading to nearby organs. Symptoms often include jaundice, abdominal pain, and weight loss. As the disease advances, it can block the bile ducts, leading to liver dysfunction. The cancer can be located inside or outside the liver.
Hodgkin lymphoma – Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, specifically affecting lymphocytes. It progresses by causing the abnormal growth of these cells, which can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms often include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The disease typically follows a predictable pattern of spreading from one group of lymph nodes to another. It is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
Non-small cell lung carcinoma – Non-small cell lung carcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for a majority of cases. It progresses by forming tumors in the lung tissue, which can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms often include a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. As the disease advances, it can invade nearby tissues and organs. It includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) colorectal adenocarcinoma – Deficient mismatch repair colorectal adenocarcinoma is a type of colorectal cancer characterized by a failure in the DNA repair process. This defect leads to the accumulation of genetic mutations, promoting cancer development. The disease progresses by forming tumors in the colon or rectum, which can grow and invade surrounding tissues. Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain. It is associated with a specific genetic profile that can influence its behavior.
Small cell lung carcinoma – Small cell lung carcinoma is a fast-growing type of lung cancer that typically starts in the bronchi. It progresses rapidly, often spreading to other parts of the body before it is diagnosed. Symptoms may include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. The disease is characterized by small, round cancer cells that multiply quickly. It is often associated with smoking and tends to be more aggressive than non-small cell lung cancer.
Follicular lymphoma – Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in B-lymphocytes. It progresses slowly and is characterized by the formation of tumors in lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues. Symptoms may include painless swelling of lymph nodes, fatigue, and night sweats. The disease often follows a pattern of remission and relapse. It is considered an indolent form of lymphoma, meaning it typically grows slowly.
Melanoma – Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigment. It progresses by forming malignant tumors, often appearing as new or changing moles on the skin. Symptoms may include changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole. As the disease advances, it can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and internal organs. Early detection is crucial for managing its progression.
Hepatocellular carcinoma – Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer. It progresses by forming malignant tumors in the liver, which can grow and invade nearby tissues. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. The disease is often associated with underlying liver conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. As it advances, it can impair liver function and spread to other parts of the body.
Gastric cardia cancer – Gastric cardia cancer is a type of stomach cancer that occurs in the cardia, the area where the stomach meets the esophagus. It progresses by forming tumors in this region, which can grow and invade surrounding tissues. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, indigestion, and weight loss. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs. It is often associated with risk factors such as obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma – Locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from squamous cells. It progresses by forming tumors on the skin, which can grow and invade deeper layers and nearby tissues. Symptoms may include a persistent, scaly red patch, open sore, or wart-like growth. The disease is often linked to prolonged sun exposure. As it advances, it can cause significant local tissue damage.
Deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) colorectal cancer – Deficient mismatch repair colorectal cancer is a form of colorectal cancer characterized by a defect in the DNA repair process. This defect leads to the accumulation of mutations, promoting cancer development. The disease progresses by forming tumors in the colon or rectum, which can grow and invade surrounding tissues. Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain. It is associated with a specific genetic profile that can influence its behavior.
Pleural mesothelioma – Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the pleura, the thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs. It progresses by forming tumors in this lining, which can grow and invade nearby tissues. Symptoms often include chest pain, shortness of breath, and persistent cough. The disease is strongly associated with asbestos exposure. As it advances, it can cause significant respiratory issues and spread to other parts of the body.