Cancers Treated

Below is a list of the most common cancers we treat. If you are diagnosed with cancer that’s not listed, please Contact Us to ask if treatment is available for your disease.

Anal

Cancer that forms in tissues of the anus. The anus is the opening of the rectum (last part of the large intestine) to the outside of the body, through which bowel movements pass.

Appendix

Appendix cancer is a very rare type of cancer that occurs when healthy cells in the appendix (a small organ at the transition of the small and large intestine) change and grow out of control, forming a tumor.

Bile Duct

A rare cancer that forms in the bile ducts. A bile duct is a tube that carries bile (fluid made by the liver) between the liver and gallbladder and the small intestine. Intrahepatic bile duct cancer is found inside the liver. Extrahepatic bile duct cancer is found outside the liver. Also called cholangiocarcinoma.

Bladder

Cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder (the organ that stores urine). Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder). Other types include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in the cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.

Bone

Primary bone cancer is cancer that starts in cells of the bone. Some types of primary bone cancer are osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and chondrosarcoma. Secondary bone cancer is cancer that spreads to the bone from another part of the body (such as the prostate, breast, or lung).

Brain

Tumors located in the brain. Some tumors are benign (noncancerous). Noncancerous tumors can usually be removed and are not likely to recur. Other tumors are malignant (cancerous).

Breast

Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast. The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the lining of the milk ducts (thin tubes that carry milk from the milk glands of the breast to the nipple). Another type of breast cancer is lobular carcinoma, which begins in the lobules (milk glands) of the breast. Invasive breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread from where it began in the breast ducts or lobules to surrounding normal tissue. Breast cancer occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) - DCIS is non-invasive breast cancer that has not spread outside the milk ducts where it originated. While DCIS is not life-threatening, it is considered a precursor to invasive types of breast cancer and indicates increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer. DCIS accounts for roughly 1 in 6 breast cancer diagnoses
• Inflammatory Breast cancer - Inflammatory breast cancer is considered rare and is an aggressive cancer with symptoms and treatments that differ from other breast cancers. Unlike other invasive types of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer does not typically begin with a lump. Instead, a feeling of heaviness or thickness in the breast is typically the first sign. The breast may also appear red or infected. Due to the absence of a lump, this cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Doctors have to order a biopsy if inflammatory breast cancer is suspected.
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) - Also called infiltrating ductal carcinoma, Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer, comprising about three-quarters of all breast cancers. Invasive indicates the cancer has spread to surrounding breast tissue. Ductal means the cancer originated in the tubes that carry milk to the nipple. Carcinoma refers to a cancer that begins in the tissues that cover internal organs, like breast tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) - ILC is a type of breast cancer that starts in the breast glands that produce milk, known as the lobules. Invasive indicates the cancer has spread to surrounding breast tissue. Carcinoma refers to a cancer that begins in the tissues that cover internal organs, like breast tissue.
• Paget’s Disease - A rare type of breast cancer that is found in the skin of the nipple and areola, Paget’s Disease is characterized by cancerous cells called Paget cells found in the surface layer of the skin of the impacted region. Most people with this diagnosis have one or more tumors in the same breast.

Carcinoid

A carcinoid tumor is a type of slow-growing cancer that starts in neuroendocrine cells, which can change and become cancerous, growing out of control and forming a carcinoid tumor. The chemicals produced by these tumors can produce symptoms collectively referred to as carcinoid syndrome.

Colon

Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon. The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine. The large intestine is the last part of the digestive system. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age.

Esophageal

Cancer that forms in tissues lining the esophagus (the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach). Two types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). 

Gallbladder

Gallbladder cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the gallbladder, a small organ in the shape of pear that is located under the liver, behind the lower right ribs. The main function of the gallbladder is to concentrate and store bile made by the liver.

Gynecologic (female reproductive organs):

We work in collaboration with gynecologic surgeons to assist in getting your treatment close to home, before or after surgery, if surgery is needed.

• Cervical - Cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix, the organ connecting the uterus and vagina. It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope). Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
• Endometrial - Cancer that forms in the tissue lining the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis in which a fetus develops). Most endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
• Fallopian Tube - Fallopian tube cancer, also called tubal cancer, develops in the tubes that connect the ovaries and uterus.  It is very rare—tubal cancer makes up only 1-2% of all gynecologic cancers. Ovarian cancer and primary peritoneal cancer are similar to fallopian tube cancer and are staged and treated the same way.
• Ovarian - Cancer that forms in tissues of the ovary (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed). Most ovarian cancers are either ovarian epithelial cancers (cancer that begins in the cells on the surface of the ovary) or malignant germ cell tumors (cancer that begins in egg cells). Fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer are similar to ovarian epithelial cancer and are staged and treated the same way.
• Primary Peritoneal - This rare cancer develops in a thin layer of tissue that covers the uterus, bladder and rectum and lines the abdomen. Primary peritoneal cancer and fallopian tube cancer are similar to ovarian epithelial cancer and are staged and treated the same way.
• Vaginal - Cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina (birth canal). The vagina leads from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to the outside of the body. The most common type of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Another type of vaginal cancer is adenocarcinoma, cancer that begins in glandular cells in the lining of the vagina.
• Vulvar - Cancer of the vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina).

Head and Neck

Cancer that arises in the head or neck region (in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or larynx [voice box]).

• Nose - Nasal cavity cancers are rare and start in the opening behind the nose.
• Oral Cavity - Lip and oral cavity cancers occur when malignant cells form in the lips or mouth. Tobacco and alcohol use can affect the risk of lip and oral cavity cancer. Symptoms of oral cavity cancer include a sore or lump in the mouth or on the lips.
• Larynx - Cancer that forms in tissues of the larynx (area of the throat that contains the vocal cords and is used for breathing, swallowing, and talking). Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the larynx).
• Sinus - Paranasal sinus cancers start in the air-filled spaces in the skull around or near the nose.
• Throat - Found in the pharynx or larynx, throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer, most often affecting the flat cells that line the inside of the throat.
• Tongue - A type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells on the tongue. Tongue cancer that starts in the mouth is different from tongue cancer that starts in the throat. Tongue cancer that starts in the mouth is called oral tongue cancer and can cause symptoms right away. Tongue cancer that starts in the throat is called oropharyngeal tongue cancer and may grow for a while before symptoms such as sore throat and ear pain become noticeable.
• Tonsil - Tonsil cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that forms in a tonsil. Your tonsils are two oval-shaped pads in the back of your mouth that are part of your body’s germ-fighting immune system.

Kidney/Renal

Cancer that forms in tissues of the kidneys. The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma. It forms in the lining of very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste products. Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis is kidney cancer that forms in the center of the kidney where urine collects.

Leukemia

Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream.
Doctors classify leukemia based on its speed of progression and the type of cells involved.

• Acute leukemia. In acute leukemia, the abnormal blood cells are immature blood cells (blasts). They can't carry out their normal functions, and they multiply rapidly, so the disease worsens quickly. Acute leukemia requires aggressive, timely treatment.
  • Most of the time, this diagnosis is best managed at larger academic hospitals such as Vanderbilt University, University of Kentucky, and University of Louisville. If you are diagnosed with acute leukemia at Baptist Health Deaconess, in most cases, you will be sent to one of these larger hospitals.
• Chronic leukemia. There are many types of chronic leukemias. Some produce too many cells and some cause too few cells to be produced. Chronic leukemia involves more-mature blood cells. These blood cells replicate or accumulate more slowly and can function normally for a period of time. Some forms of chronic leukemia initially produce no early symptoms and can go unnoticed or undiagnosed for years.

Liver

Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of your liver. Your liver is a football-sized organ that sits in the upper right portion of your abdomen, beneath your diaphragm and above your stomach.  Several types of cancer can form in the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which begins in the main type of liver cell (hepatocyte). Other types of liver cancer, such as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma, are much less common.  Cancer that spreads to the liver is more common than cancer that begins in the liver cells. Cancer that begins in another area of the body — such as the colon, lung or breast — and then spreads to the liver is called metastatic cancer rather than liver cancer.

Lung

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death, not only in the United States, but also around the world. Lung cancer is responsible for an estimated 160,000 deaths in the United States annually. It is one of the most preventable malignancies, as it is usually caused by smoking.

• Non-small cell lung cancer occurs when healthy cells in the lung change and grow out of control, forming a tumor, lesion or nodule. The tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous lung tumor may shed cancer cells as it grows, and those cells, in turn may be carried away in blood or float away in the lymph, a fluid that surrounds lung tissue.
• Small cell lung cancer originates in the nerve cells or hormone-producing cells of the lung called neuroendocrine cells. “Small cell” refers to the size and shape of the cancer cells as seen under a microscope. As in non-small cell lung cancer, these cells can form tumors which shed cancer cells as they grow, which can be carried away by blood or lymph.

Lymphoma

“Lymphoma” is the general term for cancer in your lymphatic system — the network of tissues, vessels and organs that help your body fight infection. It’s considered a blood cancer because the condition starts in white blood cells (lymphocytes) in your lymphatic system.
There are two main lymphoma categories — Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

• Hodgkin lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma, once known as Hodgkin disease, is a group of blood cancers that develop in your lymphatic system. Hodgkin lymphomas form when genes inside B lymphocytes (B cells) mutate, or change, at some point in your life. Hodgkin lymphomas typically start in the lymph nodes in your neck or chest cavity. They may also develop in groups of lymph nodes under your arms or in your groin, belly (abdomen) or pelvis.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made up of organs, glands, tubelike vessels and clusters of cells called lymph nodes. It's part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma happens when germ-fighting cells in the lymphatic system grow out of control. The cells can form growths, called tumors, throughout the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a broad group of lymphomas. There are more than 70 subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma are among the most common subtypes.

Multiple Myeloma

A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). Also called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma.

Pancreatic

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas lies behind the lower part of the stomach. It makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help manage blood sugar.   The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This type begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas.

Prostate

Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.  Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. 

Rectal

Rectal cancer is a kind of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the rectum. The rectum is the last several inches of the large intestine. It starts at the end of the final segment of the colon and ends when it reaches the short, narrow passage known as the anus.

Skin

Cancer that forms in the tissues of the skin. It’s the most common type of cancer. There are several types of skin cancer.

• Melanoma: Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment.
• Basal cell carcinoma: Skin cancer that forms in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin)
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin).

Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems; however, skin cancer (particularly melanoma) is the leading cause of cancer death in young adults.

Stomach

Stomach cancer, which is also called gastric cancer, is a growth of cells that starts in the stomach. The stomach is in the upper middle part of the belly, just below the ribs. The stomach helps to break down and digest food.

Testicular

Cancer that forms in tissues of one or both testicles. Testicular cancer is most common in young or middle-aged men. Most testicular cancers begin in germ cells (cells that make sperm) and are called testicular germ cell tumors.

Thyroid

Cancer that forms in the thyroid gland (an organ at the base of the throat that makes hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight). Four main types of thyroid cancer are papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. The four types are based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope.

Urethral

A rare cancer that forms in tissues of the urethra (the tube through which urine empties the bladder and leaves the body). Types of urethral cancer include transitional cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that can change shape and stretch without breaking apart), squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the urethra), and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).