8 Less common types of cancer
Among the less common types of cancer , some are minimally likely to appear, a condition that in turn makes them more difficult to detect early.
What makes one type of cancer more common than another?
Each type of cancer is different in terms of its causes, treatment, and prognosis.
However, despite these differences, they all have in common the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells and the ability to spread to other tissues.
In particular, there are two categories that identify a type of cancer:
Hematological cancer:
It develops in blood cells. This classification includes leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Tumor cancer:
They appear in any organ, tissue, or part of the body. Among the most common can be breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer.
On the other hand, some studies indicate that only 20% of cancer patients develop rare tumors, which generally lack specific treatment.
Below, we will cite the main cases of Less common cancer:
1. Heart Cancer
A tumour that originates directly in this organ rarely appears, which includes it as the first on this list of lowest prevalence worldwide.
The result of some scientific research reveals that it occurs in only 0.1% of cases; it is also benign in 90% of them, which makes it a less dangerous cancer.
Although this value represents an advantage, it also presents in a malignant form (known as angiosarcoma); causing a blockage in the passage of blood to the heart and hindering oxygenation of the body.
Next we have breast cancer in men, which has a prevalence of only 1% within its type.
It can appear at any age, but is more common in patients between 60 and 70 years of age.
It is mainly related to exposure to radiation, high concentrations of estrogen and finally, among those who have had a case of breast cancer among the women in their family (genetic component).
3. Appendix cancer
It is almost always detected after surgical interventions due to acute appendicitis.
The symptoms are evident in an advanced stage and the most common is abdominal inflammation.
This type of cancer stems from a variety of tumors that can be benign or malignant.
4. Esthesioneuroblastoma
In particular, this cancer has common symptoms, such as unilateral nasal obstruction or epistaxis.
This rare type of cancer develops in the cells of the nasal passages (smell cells), and is usually prevalent in people aged 20 to 50 years.
It has a survival rate of 65% in 5 years.
The causes of this type of cancer are related to exposure to chemicals or high amounts of dust.
5. Salivary gland cancer
This rare tumor originates in the salivary glands in the neck, mouth, and throat.
In general, they are usually benign and do not spread to other tissues.
It occurs in elderly people who have been exposed to targeted radiation therapy treatments to the neck and head.
Therefore, the most affected gland is the parotid, which is located in front of and under each ear.
Among the most common symptoms of this tumor may be alterations at mealtime or the presence of fluid coming out of the ear.
It is almost always detected through routine dental or physical examinations.
6. Soft tissue sarcoma
Its development originates in the soft tissues of the body due to the formation of cancer cells.
Those tissues such as muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels and others are affected by this uncontrolled development of cells.
It usually presents as a bump under the skin that does not cause pain; but as it grows, the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath.
Its causes and risk factors are diverse, but they are mixed with exposure to chemical substances or having undergone radiotherapy.
This type of cancer has an incidence in patients who have undergone radiotherapy treatments and/or hereditary factors, so there is no way to prevent it.
It is divided into 4 types:
Anaplastic carcinoma (the least common, but most aggressive)
Follicular tumor
Medullary carcinoma
Papillary carcinoma.
Its main symptomatological manifestation is coughing, changes in the voice, difficulty swallowing and enlargement of the thyroid gland.
It develops in the tissue lining the ovary, where malignant cells spread.
These cases are related to the genetic component.
Its most common symptom is swelling in the abdomen, and it can also occur in the fallopian tube and peritoneum.
When to go to the doctor?
As we mentioned before, many of these less common types of cancer are difficult to diagnose; so you should go to the help of a specialized professional if you have suspicions or any of the following warning signs:
A spot or mole that changes its shape and size
Abnormal bleeding or bleeding
Unintentional weight loss
Persistent cough or dysphonia
Persistent pain
Appearance of a nodule or lump
Variation in bowel and urinary habits
