Cancer types

This cancer starts in the bladder, the organ that stores urine. Urothelial carcinoma is the most common form.

Primary bone cancer starts in a bone. Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are examples.

Primary brain tumours develop in the brain and can be benign or malignant. Cancer that started elsewhere can also spread to the brain.

This cancer starts in breast tissue. It can begin in the ducts that carry milk or in the lobules that make it.

Central nervous system tumours develop in the brain or spinal cord. They may be benign or malignant.

This cancer starts in the cervix, the narrow lower part of the womb that connects it to the vagina.

Also called colorectal cancer, it starts in the colon or the rectum, the final part of the large bowel.

• Colorectal cancer
• Related colorectal cancer archive

This cancer begins in the endometrium, the tissue that lines the inside of the womb.

This cancer starts in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile.

This cancer starts in the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma is one of its main types.

Primary liver cancer begins in the liver itself. Hepatocellular carcinoma is its most common form in adults.

• Liver cancer archive

This cancer begins in the lung. Its two main groups are non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.

Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. It usually develops in the skin.

These tumours develop in neuroendocrine cells, which release hormones. They can be benign or malignant.

This cancer begins in the oesophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach. Common forms include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Ovarian cancer includes several types. Epithelial ovarian cancers are closely related to cancers of the fallopian tubes.

This cancer starts in the pancreas. Most cases begin in its exocrine cells, which make substances that help digest food.

This cancer starts in penile tissue. It often develops on or underneath the foreskin.

• Penile cancer archive

This cancer starts in the prostate, a gland below the bladder.

Sarcomas are a group of cancers that can start in bone or in soft tissues, such as muscle and fat.

Several cancers start in the skin. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two common types.

Gastric cancer begins in the lining of the stomach. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form.

This cancer starts in a testicle, usually in the cells that produce sperm.

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are rare tumours that develop in the thymus gland.

This cancer starts in the thyroid gland. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are two of its main types.

This cancer starts in the vulva, the external genital area. It often develops on the labia or near the vaginal opening.