Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells within the body. These abnormal cells multiply, ignoring the normal signals that regulate cell activity. While many types of cancer exist, they are broadly categorized based on their behavior and where they originate. One major classification is “solid cancer,” a term referring to cancers that form a distinct physical mass.
Defining Solid Cancers
Solid cancers are abnormal cellular growths that develop into a palpable mass or tumor. These tumors originate in specific organs or tissues throughout the body, such as the breast, lung, or prostate.
The physical nature of solid tumors often allows for their detection through various methods. Healthcare providers may identify these masses during a physical examination or through imaging techniques. These methods reveal a localized growth. The formation of a tangible mass distinguishes solid cancers from other cancer types.
How Solid Cancers Differ
Solid cancers are distinct from “liquid” or hematologic cancers, which do not typically form a solid tumor mass. Liquid cancers, such as leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myelomas, affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Instead of forming localized masses, the abnormal cells in liquid cancers circulate or infiltrate these fluid-filled systems.
For example, leukemia involves the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells that circulate in the blood and bone marrow. Lymphomas arise in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune network, while multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. This fundamental difference in tumor formation and location leads to different diagnostic and treatment approaches. Solid tumors are often diagnosed via imaging and biopsy, whereas liquid cancers typically require blood tests and bone marrow biopsies.
Common Solid Cancer Types
Solid cancers encompass a wide range of specific diseases, usually named for the organ or tissue where they originate. These cancers are among the most frequently diagnosed types. Breast cancer, for instance, typically starts in the tissue of the breast. Lung cancer commonly begins in the lung tissue, often in the cells lining the airways.
Colorectal cancer originates in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. Prostate cancer is another common solid tumor, developing within the prostate gland in men. Other examples include kidney cancer, which forms in the kidneys, and pancreatic cancer, which starts in the pancreas. These examples illustrate how solid cancers are characterized by their development as a distinct, localized mass within a specific organ.