Have You Heard of These Rare and Uncommon Cancers?
Cancer, a devastating and complex group of diseases, affects millions of people worldwide each year. It manifests in various forms, commonly known as breast, lung, and prostate cancers. While significant progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of common cancers, there are other less-known adversaries that people should also be aware of. These rare cancers, affecting a smaller portion of the population, pose unique challenges due to their infrequency and the limited research available. These rare forms often result in delayed diagnoses and treatments, complicating patient care and outcomes. Understanding these uncommon cancers is crucial for early detection and effective intervention. This article looks at eight of these rare cancers
1. Chronic myeloid leukemia
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of
blood cancer that affects the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy
blood cells. This results in an abnormally high number of abnormal blood
cells. Although rare, CML cases have increased by over 54 % in the past
30 years.
Symptoms
CML may be asymptomatic in its early stages. However, potential symptoms
include fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss.
Treatment
The only definitive treatment for this disease is a bone marrow
transplant. However, targeted therapy with imatinib mesylate (Gleevec)
has proven to significantly improve patient outcomes. Although
comprehensive data on long-term survival rates remains unavailable, one
study suggests a promising 90% five-year survival rate for patients
receiving this treatment.
2. Anal cancer
Anal cancer develops in the anus, the
opening at the distal end of the rectum. While less prevalent compared
to colon or rectal cancers, thousands of new cases and deaths are being
reported every year worldwide.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with anal cancer may include rectal bleeding, anal
itching, or the presence of a lump near the anus.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the specific stage and location of the tumor
and may encompass surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. The
five-year survival rate varies depending on the stage of the cancer,
ranging from 82% for localized tumors to 34% for tumors that have
metastasized.
3. Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive type of
brain tumor and is known as the most common primary malignant brain
cancer. Research suggests a global prevalence ranging from 0.59 to 5
cases per 100,000 individuals annually.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the tumor's location but may include
headaches, nausea, and memory loss.
Treatment
Unfortunately, a cure for glioblastoma hasn't been found yet. However,
treatment options may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy,
or a combination of these approaches. The prognosis for glioblastoma is
often grim, with many patients surviving less than a year after
diagnosis.
4. Merkel cell carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and
aggressive form of skin cancer. Also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma
of the skin or trabecular cancer, it affects a relatively small number
of individuals worldwide.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of this cancer is the development of a lump on
sun-exposed areas of the skin. These lumps are typically painless, grow
rapidly, feel firm to the touch, and appear dome-shaped or raised. The
color may be flushed or darker compared to the surrounding skin.
Treatment
Standard treatment options include surgical removal of the tumor,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The American Cancer
Society (ACS) reports an average five-year relative survival rate of 63%
across all stages of Merkel cell carcinoma.
5. Salivary gland cancer
Cancer of the salivary glands occurs when
abnormal cell growth takes place within these glands. There are two main
types of salivary glands:
Major salivary glands: Located on the
cheek, under the chin, and below the tongue.
Minor salivary glands: Distributed throughout the mouth, including the
palate and upper digestive tract.
Symptoms
Symptoms of salivary gland cancer can include:
Difficulty swallowing food
Numbness or weakness in the face
Drainage of fluid from one or both ears
A lump in the cheek, jaw, lip, or inside the mouth
Persistent facial pain
Several factors can increase the risk of developing salivary gland
cancer, including prior radiation exposure to the head and neck area,
increasing age, and a family history of head and neck cancers.
Treatment
It's important to note that nearly 90% of salivary gland tumors are
benign, meaning they are not cancerous. These non-malignant masses are
typically removed before they have the potential to become cancerous.
Treatment for salivary gland cancer varies depending on the stage of the
disease but often involves surgical intervention and/or radiation
therapy. Chemotherapy is less commonly used in managing this type of
cancer.
6. Eye cancer
Cancer of the eye refers to a variety of
malignancies that originate within the eye itself. Ocular melanoma,
while the most prevalent type among adults, affects a relatively small
population of roughly 20,000 individuals annually. Other, less frequent
forms of eye cancer include non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, retinoblastoma, and
medulloepithelioma.
Risk factors for eye cancer vary depending on the specific type. For
instance, ocular melanoma is more likely to develop in older
individuals, those with a family history of melanoma, and those with
lighter skin or eye pigmentation.
Symptoms
General symptoms of eye cancer might include:
Redness or pain in the eye
Changes in vision, such as blurred vision or the presence of eye
floaters
Decreased visual acuity or even complete vision loss
Alterations in the eye's appearance, such as a dark spot on the iris
or white pupils
Treatment
The treatment course for eye cancer depends heavily on the specific
type, its location, size, and the extent of its spread. Common treatment
options include surgical removal of the cancerous tissue, cryotherapy
(freezing therapy), and the use of chemotherapy eye drops.
7. Thymic carcinoma
Thymic carcinoma is a cancer that develops
in the outer layer of the thymus, a small organ located in the upper
chest responsible for the production of white blood cells. These
cancerous cells grow rapidly and tend to metastasize, or spread, to
other areas of the body, most commonly the lungs.
Symptoms
While relatively uncommon, thymic carcinoma can develop in some people.
Individuals with this cancer may not experience any symptoms initially.
However, potential symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of
breath, chest pain, hoarseness, and swelling in the chest, face, neck,
or arms.
Treatment
Treatment options for thymic carcinoma often combine various approaches,
including surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. According to the
National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate for inoperable
and locally advanced carcinoma is 36%, while the rate drops to 24% for
cases where the cancer has spread distantly.
8. Ewing sarcoma
Ewing sarcoma is a malignant tumor that
primarily develops in bone tissue. This aggressive cancer most commonly
affects children and young adults. An estimated one in a million
individuals are affected by Ewing tumors, which account for about 1% of
all childhood cancers.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with Ewing sarcoma may include:
Pain and swelling near the affected bone
The presence of a lump
Fever
Unexplained bone fractures
Treatment
Treatment options for Ewing sarcoma typically involve a combination of:
Chemotherapy: Administration of powerful drugs to destroy cancer
cells.
Radiation therapy: Utilizing targeted high-energy rays to kill
cancer cells.
Surgery: Removal of the affected bone or surrounding tissue.
High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell preservation: A specialized
treatment involving high doses of chemotherapy followed by the
reintroduction of previously harvested stem cells.
The ACS reports a relative 5-year survival rate of 61% for all stages of
Ewing sarcoma combined.