Cancer can originate in virtually any tissue of the body, and each type is classified based on the location where it begins or the type of cell involved. Below is a list of common types of cancer, grouped by the body part or cell type from which they arise

1. Carcinomas

Carcinomas are cancers that start in the epithelial cells, which are the cells lining the inner and outer surfaces of the body. They are the most common type of cancer and include:

• Breast Cancer: Originates in the cells of the breast, usually in the ducts or lobules.
• Lung Cancer: Begins in the lung tissues, primarily the lining of the air passages.
• Prostate Cancer: Develops in the prostate gland cells in men.
• Colorectal Cancer: Starts in the colon or rectum lining.
• Skin Cancer: Includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, arising in the skin’s epithelial cells.

2. Sarcomas

Sarcomas are cancers that originate in the connective or supportive tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or blood vessels. Examples include:

• Osteosarcoma: Affects the bone.
• Chondrosarcoma: Begins in the cartilage.
• Liposarcoma: Starts in fat tissue.
• Leiomyosarcoma: Arises in smooth muscle tissue.
• Angiosarcoma: Develops in the blood vessels or lymph vessels.

3. Leukemias

Leukemias are cancers of the blood or bone marrow, characterized by an abnormal increase in white blood cells. Types include:

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Rapidly progressing, affecting lymphoid cells.
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Rapidly progressing, affecting myeloid cells.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Slowly progressing, affecting lymphoid cells.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Slowly progressing, affecting myeloid cells.

4. Lymphomas

Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. They are divided into two main types:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): Encompasses a diverse group of cancers originating in lymphocytes.

5. Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. It often affects multiple areas of the bone marrow.

6. Central Nervous System Cancers

These cancers originate in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. They include:

• Gliomas: Such as glioblastomas, arising from glial cells.
• Meningiomas: Develop from the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

7. Germ Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors originate from the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. They can be found in the gonads (testes or ovaries) or other parts of the body. Examples include:

• Testicular Cancer: Such as seminomas and non-seminomas.
• Ovarian Cancer: Includes epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, and stromal tumors.

8. Pediatric Cancers

Cancers that primarily affect children. Examples include:

• Neuroblastoma: Develops from immature nerve cells, commonly in the adrenal glands.
• Wilms’ Tumor: A kidney cancer typically diagnosed in children.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: A cancer of the muscle tissue.
• Retinoblastoma: A cancer of the retina in the eye.