The Comprehensive Cancer Center
at Rhode Island, The Miriam and Newport Hospitals

What is Cancer?

Cancer is where abnormal cells multiply and are able to invade other tissues. Cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph system. Cancer can occur in almost any organ or tissue.

Types of cancer

There are over 100 different kinds of cancer. They are generally grouped into the following categories:

• Carcinoma - cancer of the skin or linings of internal organs.
  
  

• Sarcoma - cancer of bones, cartilage, fat, muscles, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissues.
  
  

• Leukemia - cancer of blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow.
  
  

• Lymphoma and myeloma - cancers that begins in the cells of the immune system.
  
  

• Central nervous system cancers - cancers of the brain and spinal cord.

If you or a loved one is facing cancer, the future may seem scary and uncertain. At the Comprehensive Cancer Center, a team of specialists can discuss treatment options and assist you during this difficult time. Contact us.

• More about cancer
• The most common cancers
• The Comprehensive Cancer Center's Cancer Data Registry

Other links:

• National Cancer Institute
• American Cancer Society
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

 

Back   |   The Comprehensive Cancer Center