While cancer affects millions globally, certain types remain shrouded in obscurity due to their rarity. These rare cancers pose unique challenges, making them intriguing yet intricate to handle. Let’s dive into the nuances of these rare cancers, unraveling the signs they exhibit and exploring the approaches doctors take to treat them. It’s akin to embarking on an adventure, venturing into the lesser-explored territories of oncology to understand the distinctive features of these unusual conditions and witness how doctors navigate the complexities to provide care and support to those dealing with these exceptional health challenges.
Angiosarcoma (Skin Cancer)
Angiosarcoma is cancer that forms in the lining of blood vessels and lymph vessels.
- Signs: It often begins with the development of lumps or swelling. The signs can be diverse and depend on the specific body part affected. Angiosarcoma in the skin, for example, can resemble bruises, whereas angiosarcoma in the internal organs can hurt or create discomfort where it is present.
- Treatment: To address angiosarcoma, doctors frequently resort to surgical removal of the cancerous growth. In more complex cases, specialized treatments such as radiation therapy or targeted therapies may be employed to target and mitigate the spread of the disease.
Chondrosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that develops in cartilage cells. Adults have a specific type of connective tissue called cartilage, which is gristly and is where most bones grow from. Cartilage plays an important role in the growth process.
- Signs: This manifests with localized symptoms such as pain, swelling, or the formation of a palpable lump. The pain may intensify with activity or at night.
- Treatment: Surgical intervention is commonly employed to remove the chondrosarcoma tumor. To improve the overall efficacy of the treatment, doctors may suggest additional therapies like radiation or chemotherapy based on the unique circumstances of the patient.
Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that begins in the gallbladder.
- Signs: Jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin and eyes, chronic abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss are some of the signs of gallbladder cancer that can be difficult to identify in its early stages.
- Treatment: The usual method for treating gallbladder cancer is surgery, which frequently entails the removal of the gallbladder. If the cancer has spread, other therapies like radiation or chemotherapy might be suggested to kill out any cancer cells that may still be present.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma (Adrenal Glands)
Adrenocortical carcinoma is an uncommon condition characterized by the growth of malignant cells in the outer layer of the adrenal gland. The human body has two tiny, triangular-shaped glands called adrenal glands, which are positioned above each kidney.
- Signs: Adrenocortical carcinoma, impacting hormone production, can present with signs like unexplained weight gain, elevated blood pressure, and changes in the skin, such as the development of stretch marks.
- Treatment: Surgical removal is the primary method for addressing adrenocortical carcinoma. Depending on the specific hormonal abnormalities and the extent of the disease, doctors may also suggest supplementary treatments such as chemotherapy or targeted drugs.
Thymoma (Thymus Glands)
Thymomas and thymic carcinomas are rare cancers that form on a gland called your thymus. A small organ found in the upper chest under the breastbone is the thymus gland. It produces lymphocytes, or white blood cells that protects the body from infections.
- Signs: Thymomas may present with signs such as chest pain, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can be indicative of the tumor pressing on nearby structures.
- Treatment: Surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment for thymomas. However, depending on the severity and characteristics of the tumor, doctors may recommend additional treatments, including radiation therapy or chemotherapy, to ensure comprehensive management of the condition.
In the vast medical landscape of cancer, these rare types of cancers stand out as enigmatic challenges, necessitating heightened awareness, research, and medical innovation. Understanding the signs and treatment options for these cancers is vital for early detection and improvement outcomes.
(Author is Consultant – Surgical Oncology – HCG MNR Curie Cancer Centre, Ongole)
