• Transitional Cell Carcinoma (also called urothelial carcinoma)
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma
• Small Cell Carcinoma

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes bladder cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting bladder cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Bladder Infections
• Chemical exposure at work. These chemicals are called carcinogens. Dye workers, rubber workers, aluminum workers, leather workers, truck drivers, and pesticide applicators are at the highest risk.
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Exposure
• Smoking

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer can include:

• Abdominal Pain
• Blood in the Urine
• Bone Pain or Tenderness
• Fatigue
• Painful Urination
• Urinary Frequency
• Urinary Urgency
• Urine Leakage (incontinence)
• Weight Loss

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Bladder Cancer:

• Stage 0 – Noninvasive tumors that are only in the bladder lining.
• Stage I – Tumor goes through the bladder lining, but does not reach the muscle layer of the bladder.
• Stage II – Tumor goes into the muscle layer of the bladder
• Stage III – Tumor goes past the muscle layer into tissue surrounding the bladder.
• Stage IV – Tumor has spread to neighboring lymph nodes or to distant sites (metastatic disease)

Treatment for Bladder Cancer:

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. Different types of bladder cancer can respond differently to treatments.

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Combination of Chemotherapy and Radiation

• Primary –Originates in the bone or tissues adjoined to the bone such as connective tissue.
• Secondary – Also known as bone metastases, are cancers that originated in another place in the body and then spread to the bone. The cells in bone metastases resemble the cells from the cancer’s origin. They are not bone cells that have become cancerous, as in the case of primary bone cancers.

Risk Factors for Bone Cancer can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes bone cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting bone cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Hereditary defects in certain genes
• Multiple exostoses syndrome, sometimes called multiple osteochondromas
• Paget disease
• Multiple enchondromatosis
• Radiation Exposure
• Bone Marrow Transplantation
• Injuries

Symptoms of Bone Cancer can include:

• Pain or tenderness near the cancer site.
• Pathological fracture may be the first sign of bone cancer.

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Bone Cancer:

• Stage I – All tumors are low grade and have not yet spread outside of the bone.
• Stage IA – The tumor is 8 cm or less.
• Stage IB – The tumor is either larger than 8 cm or it is in more than one place on the same bone.
• Stage II – The tumors have not spread outside the bone (like stage I) but are high grade.
• Stage IIA – The tumor is 8 cm or less.
• Stage IIB – The tumor is larger than 8 cm.
• Stage III – The tumors have not spread outside the bone but are in more than one place on the same bone. They are high grade.
• Stage IV – The tumors have spread outside of the bone they started in. They can be any grade.
• Stage IVA – The tumor has spread to the lung.
• Stage IVB – The tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to distant sites other than the lung (or both).

Treatment for Bone Cancer:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Clinical Trials

Risk Factors for Brain Cancer can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes Brain Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Brain Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Smoking
• Radiation Exposure
• Viral Infection
• Workers in Oil Refineries or the Rubber Industry
• Handlers of Jet Fuel or Chemicals like Benzene, Chemists or Embalmers

Symptoms of Brain Cancer can include:

• Impaired Sense of Smell
• Impaired Speech
• Inability to Write
• Muscle Weakness
• Difficulty Walking
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Blurry Vision or Loss
• Change in alertness, mental capacity, memory, speech or personality.

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Brain Cancer is categorized by the following Grades versus Stages:

• Grade I: The tissue is benign. The cells look nearly like normal brain cells, and they grow slowly.
• Grade II: The tissue is malignant. The cells look less like normal cells than do the cells in a grade I tumor.
• Grade III: The malignant tissue has cells that look very different from normal cells. The abnormal cells are actively growing and have a distinctly abnormal appearance (anaplastic).
• Grade IV: The malignant tissue has cells that look most abnormal and tend to grow quickly.

Treatment for Brain Cancer:

Treatments vary widely depending on the cancer type, brain location, tumor size, patient age, patient's general health status and patient's wishes.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes Breast Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Breast Cancer more likely, but it is not yet known exactly how these risk factors cause cells to grow abnormally and become cancerous. Below are some of them.

• Certain Inherited DNA Changes
• Acquired DNA Mutations
• Exposure to Radiation or Cancer-Causing Chemicals.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer can include:

• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
• Bloody discharge from the nipple.
• Change in the size or shape of a breast.
• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling.
• Inverted nipple.
• Peeling, scaling or flaking of the nipple or breast skin.
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange.

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Breast Cancer:

• Stage 0 – Small areas of calcification in the breast.
• Stage I – Cancer is confined to a single site in the breast, is less than 2 centimeters (3/4 inch) in size and has not spread outside the breast.
• Stage IIA – Cancer has spread to involve underarm lymph nodes and is less than 2 centimeters (3/4 inch) in size or the primary cancer itself is 2-5 centimeters (3/4-2 inches) and has not spread to the lymph nodes.
• Stage IIB – Cancer has spread to involve underarm lymph nodes and/or the primary cancer is greater than 5 centimeters (2 inches) in size and does not involve any lymph nodes.
• Stage IIIA – Cancer is smaller than 5 centimeters (2 inches) and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or the lymph nodes are attached to each other or to other structures or the primary cancer is larger than 5 centimeters (2 inches) and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.
• Stage IIIB – Cancer directly involves the chest wall or has spread to internal lymph nodes on the same side of the chest.
• Inflammatory – Special class of breast cancer that is rare. The breast looks as if it is inflamed because of its red appearance and warmth. The skin may show signs of ridges and wheals or it may have a pitted appearance. Inflammatory breast cancer tends to spread quickly.
• Stage IV – Cancer has spread to distant locations in the body, which may include the liver, lungs, bones or other sites.
• Recurrent/Relapsed – The breast cancer has progressed or returned (recurred/relapsed) following an initial treatment.

Treatment for Breast Cancer:

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Hormonal Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Therapy

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes Cervical Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Cervical Caner more likely. Below are some of them.

• Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cases of cervical cancer.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer can include:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause.
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor.
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Cervical Cancer:

• Stage 0 – Precancerous lesion involving only the cells on the surface of the cervix.
• Stage I – Cancer confined to the cervix, and may be evident only under microscopic evaluation
• Stage IA – may be evident only under microscopic evaluation
• Stage IB – may be apparent by visible or physical examination
• Stage II – Cancer has spread beyond the cervix to involve the tissues surrounding the cervix (parametria) or the upper portion of the vagina.
• Stage III – Cancer spreads beyond the cervix to the lower vagina or to the sides of the pelvis, or causes a blockage of drainage from the kidney, a condition called hydronephrosis.
• Stage IV – Cancer invades structures adjacent to the cervix such as the bladder or rectum or has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver or lungs.
• Recurrent/Relapsed: Cervical cancer is still detected or has returned (recurred/relapsed) following an initial treatment with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy

Treatment for Cervical Cancer:

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes most Colon Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Colon Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Inherited gene mutations such as:
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a rare disorder that causes you to develop thousands of polyps in the lining of your colon and rectum. People with untreated FAP have a greatly increased risk of developing colon cancer before age 40.
• Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). HNPCC, also called Lynch syndrome, increases the risk of colon cancer and other cancers. People with HNPCC tend to develop colon cancer before age 50.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer can include:

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool.
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.
• Weakness or fatigue.
• Unexplained weight loss

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Colon Cancer:

• Stage I – Cancer is confined to the lining of the colon.
• Stage II – Cancer may penetrate the wall of the colon into the abdominal cavity or other adjacent organs but does not invade any local lymph nodes.
• Stage III – Cancer invades one or more of the local lymph nodes but has not spread to other distant organs.
• Stage IV – Cancer has spread to distant locations in the body, which may include the liver, lungs, bones or other sites.

Treatment for Colon Cancer:

• Squamous CellCarcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma.

Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes most esophageal cancers. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Esophageal Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• People between the ages of 45-70
• Men are more common than women
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Chewing Tobacco, Smoking and Alcohol
• Obesity and Diet
• Workplace exposures
• Injury to the esophagus
• History of certain other cancers
• Barrett's esophagus, Achalasia, Tylosis or Esophageal Webs
• Undergoing radiation treatment to the chest or upper abdomen

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer can include:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Weight loss without trying
• Chest pain, pressure or burning
• Fatigue
• Frequent choking while eating
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Coughing or hoarseness

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Esophageal Cancer:

• Barrett’s Esophagus – There are essentially three categories of abnormal changes in the surface lining of the lower esophagus: (1) Barrett’s esophagus (presence of columnar epithelium) without other changes, (2) Barrett’s esophagus with low-grade dysplasia and (3) Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia.
• Stage 0 – Cancer in situ is cancer that is limited to the surface epithelium. There can be extensive spread along the surface of the lining of the esophagus, but there is no spread of cancer below the surface into lymph nodes or to distant sites.
• Stage I – Cancer invades beneath the surface lining, but does not invade the muscular part of the wall of the esophagus and there is no spread to lymph nodes or distant spread of cancer.
• Stage II – Cancer invades into or through the muscle of the wall of the esophagus, but not into local structures (IIA). When there is regional lymph node involvement with any extent of primary cancer but no invasion of local structures, this is called stage IIB.
• Stage III – Cancer invades through the muscular wall of the esophagus with lymph node spread and/or invasion of adjacent structures.
• Stage IV – The cancer has spread to distant sites.
• Recurrent Cancer – The cancer has recurred after primary treatment.

Treatment for Esophageal Cancer:

Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer can include:
We do not yet know exactly what causes Gastric Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Gastric Cancer more likely. Below are some of them. Below are some of them.

• More common in men than women
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori
• People who have been treated for a certain type of lymphoma of the stomach
• Tobacco Use
• Obesity
• Previous Stomach Surgery
• Type A Blood
• A Family History of Stomach Cancer
• Workers in the coal, metal, and rubber industries

Symptoms of Gastric Cancer can include:

• Fatigue
• Feeling bloated after eating
• Feeling full after eating little
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Gastric Cancer:

• Stage 0 – Cancer in situ is cancer that is limited to the surface layer of cells lining the stomach, which is called the epithelium.
• Stage IA – Cancer invades beneath the surface layer of cells, but not into the muscle wall and there is no lymph node or distant spread of cancer.
• Stage IB – Cancer invades beneath the surface layer of cells, with spread to 1-2 lymph nodes, or invades into the muscle of the wall of the stomach without regional lymph node or distant spread of cancer.
• Stage II – Cancer invades beneath the surface, with spread to 3 or more lymph nodes; into the muscle of the wall of the stomach, with spread to 1-6 lymph nodes; into the next-to-the-last layer of the stomach, with spread to no more than 2 lymph nodes; or into the outermost layer of the stomach but not to the lymph nodes.  
• Stage III – Cancer has spread to adjacent structures and/or regional lymph nodes.
• Stage IIIA – Cancer invades the muscle of the wall of the stomach and 7 or more lymph nodes, the next-to-the-last layer of the stomach and 3-6 lymph nodes, or the outermost layer of the stomach (the serosa) and 1-2 lymph nodes.  
• Stage IIIB – Cancer invades the next-to-the-last layer of the stomach and 7 or more lymph nodes, the outermost layer of the stomach and 3-6 lymph nodes, or adjacent structures and few (1-2) or no lymph nodes.
• Stage IIIC – Cancer involves the outermost layer of the stomach and 7 or more lymph nodes, or adjacent structures and 3 or more lymph nodes.
• Stage IV – Cancer has spread to distant sites.
• Recurrent Cancer – The cancer has returned after primary treatment.

Treatment for Gastric Cancer:

Risk Factors for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Hodgkin’s Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Men are more common than women
• A family history of lymphoma
• Past Epstein-Barr infection
• A weakened immune system
• Those with HIV
• Hodgkin's lymphoma is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 35, as well as those older than 55.

Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can include:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
• Persistent fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss — as much as 10 percent or more of your body weight
• Coughing, trouble breathing or chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• Itching
• Increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol or pain in your lymph nodes after drinking alcohol

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:

• Stage I – Cancer is found only in a single lymph node, in the area immediately surrounding that node or in a single organ.
• Stage II – Cancer involves more than one lymph node on one side of the diaphragm (the breathing muscle separating the abdomen from the chest).
• Stage III – The cancer involves lymph node regions above and below the diaphragm. For example, there may be swollen lymph nodes under the arm and in the abdomen.
• Stage IV – Cancer involves one or more organs outside the lymph system or a single organ and a distant lymph node site.
• Relapsed/Refractory – The cancer has persisted or returned (recurred/relapsed) following treatment.

Treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Stem Cell Transplant

Lung cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both of the lungs. The majority of lung cancers begin in the bronchial tubes and are thought to start as areas of pre-cancerous changes in the lung. Over time, these pre-cancerous changes in the cells may progress to true cancer. As the cancer develops, the cancer cells may make chemicals that cause new blood vessels to form nearby. These new blood vessels nourish the cancer cells, which can continue to grow and form a tumor. At some point, cells from the cancer may break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer is often a life-threatening disease because it tends to spread in this way even before it can be detected. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women. Lung cancer claims more lives each year than colon, prostate, ovarian, lymph and breast cancers combined. Lung cancer can be categorized into two types.

• Small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer occurs almost exclusively in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small cell lung cancer.
• Non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is an umbrella term for several types of lung cancers that behave in a similar way. Non-small cell lung cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. The following information focuses on non-small cell lung cancer.

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer can include:
We do not yet know exactly what causes Lung Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Lung Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Smoking or Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to radon gas
• Exposure to asbestos and other chemicals
• Family History of lung cancer
• Excessive alcohol use
• Certain lung diseases
• Inherited and Acquired Gene Changes

Symptoms of Lung Cancer can include:

• A new cough that doesn't go away
• Changes in a chronic cough or "smoker's cough"
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Losing weight without trying
• Bone pain
• Headache

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Lung Cancer:
Stage I – The cancer measures 5 centimeters or smaller and does not involve the lymph nodes.
Stage II – The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes but is larger than 5 centimeters or involves structures near the lung such as the chest wall or diaphragm. NSCLC is also considered to be Stage II if it measures 7 centimeters or less and involves the lymph nodes within the lung or near the bronchus.
Stage IIIA – The cancer involves lymph nodes in the space between the lungs (mediastinum) or near where the windpipe divides; is large or extensive but the only lymph node involvement is within the lung or near the bronchus; or there is no lymph node involvement but the cancer extends to other organs or tissues such as the heart, great vessels, trachea, or other lobes of the lung.
Stage IIIB – The cancer involves lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest or above the collar bone, or is extensive (involves organs such as the heart or trachea) and also involves lymph nodes in the center of the chest (mediastinum) or near where the windpipe divides.
Stage IV – Cancer is found in both lungs, in the fluid that surrounds the lungs or heart, or has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver, brain, or bones.
Recurrent/Relapsed – Cancer has progressed or returned (recurred/relapsed) following an initial treatment with surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

Treatment for Lung Cancer:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Drug Therapy
• Clinical Trials
• Supportive Care

Risk Factors for Melanoma Cancer can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes Melanoma Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Melanoma Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Excessive ultraviolet (UV) light exposure
• A history of sunburn
• Having many moles or unusual moles
• A family history of melanoma
• Weakened immune system
• Fair skin

Symptoms of Melanoma Cancer can include:

• A change in an existing mole
• The development of a new, unusual-looking growth on your skin
• Scaliness
• Itching
• Spreading of pigment from the mole into the surrounding skin
• Oozing or bleeding

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Melanoma Cancer:
The staging system for melanoma has recently been revised, but continues to be based on primary tumor thickness, ulceration of the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis. Historically, the staging system for primary melanoma was based on the Clark’s level and Breslow thickness. A common mistake with a new diagnosis has been to confuse Clark’s level with stage. Unlike stage, the Clark’s level describes a primary melanoma tumor microscopically, dividing the skin into 5 levels and assigning the melanoma to a different level based on how deep the melanoma penetrated.

• Clark’s Level I: Melanomas confined to the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. Also called “melanoma in-situ.”
• Clark’s Level II: Penetration by melanomas into the second layer of the skin, the dermis.
• Clark’s Levels III-IV: Melanomas invade deeper through the dermis, but are still contained completely within the skin.
• Clark’s Level V: Penetration of melanoma into the fat of the skin beneath the dermis, penetration into the third layer of the skin, the subcutis.

The following is a simplified staging system useful for determining treatment and estimating outcomes.

• Melanoma in Situ – Malignant melanoma cells are found only in the outer layer of skin cells (epidermis) and have not invaded to deeper layers.
• Stage I – Malignant melanoma is found in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and/or the upper part of the inner layer of skin (dermis), but has not spread to lymph nodes. The melanoma is < 1 mm with or without ulceration or 1-2 mm without ulceration.
• Stage II – The malignant melanoma is 1 to 2 millimeters with ulceration or > 2 mm with or without ulceration. Malignant melanoma has spread to the lower part of the inner layer of skin (dermis), but has not spread into the tissue below the dermis or into nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III – The malignant melanoma can be any thickness with spread to regional lymph nodes.
• Stage IV – The primary malignant melanoma is any size, but has spread to distant lymph nodes and/or distant sites.
• Locally Recurrent Melanoma – Malignant melanoma has recurred, but is limited to skin and/or regional lymph nodes.
• Recurrent and Refractory Stage IV Melanoma – Patients who have not responded to or progressed after initial systemic therapy (chemotherapy and/or biologic therapy) or have malignant melanoma that has recurred.

Treatment for Melanoma Cancer:

Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma Cancer can include:
We do not yet know exactly what causes Multiple Myeloma Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Multiple Myeloma Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Men are more likely than women
• People ages 50 or older
• History of a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
• Obesity
• Exposure to Radiation
• Workers in certain petroleum-related industries may be at a higher risk
• Other plasma cell diseases

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma Cancer can include:

• A high level of calcium in your blood
• Kidney (renal) failure
• Anemia-related fatigue
• Bone damage and fractures
• Repeated infections — such as pneumonia, sinusitis, bladder or kidney infections, skin infections, and shingles
• Weight loss
• Weakness or numbness in your legs

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Multiple Myeloma Cancer:

• Stage I – Tests indicate a low tumor amount. Lab values will fall in the following range: M protein IgG less than 5.0 gm/100 ml serum; IgA less than 3.0 gm/100 ml serum or urine Bence Jones protein less than 4 gm in 24 hours; normal serum calcium, normal bones and hemoglobin over 10.0 gm/100 ml serum
• Stage II – An intermediate tumor mass. Lab values are between Stage I and Stage III
• Stage III – Tests indicate a high tumor amount. Lab values fall in the following range: M protein IgG greater than 7.0 gm/100 ml serum; IgA greater than 5.0 gm/100 ml serum; urine Bence Jones protein over 12.0 gm in 24 hours; advanced bone lesions; hemoglobin less than 8.5 gm/100 ml serum or calcium over 12 gm/100 ml serum.
• Recurrent/Relapsed – The multiple myeloma has persisted or returned (recurred/relapsed) following treatment.

Treatment for Multiple Myeloma Cancer:

• Bortezomib (Velcade)
• Thalidomide (Thalomid)
• Lenalidomide (Revlimid)
• Chemotherapy
• Corticosteroids
• Stem cell transplantation
• Radiation therapy

Risk Factors for Myelodysplastic Syndrome can include:
We do not yet know exactly what causes Myelodysplastic Syndrome. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Myelodysplastic Syndrome more likely. Below are some of them.

• Men are more likely than women
• People over 60
• Treatment with chemotherapy or radiation.
• Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation
• Exposure to heavy meals
• Smoking
• Genetic Syndromes
• Some of the drugs that can lead to MDSinclude: Mechlorethamine (nitrogen mustard), Procarbazine, Chlorambucil, Etoposide, teniposide, Cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, Doxorubicin

Symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndrome can include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual paleness (pallor) due to anemia
• Easy or unusual bruising or bleeding
• Pinpoint-sized red spots just beneath your skin caused by bleeding (petechiae)
• Frequent infections

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Myelodysplastic Syndrome:
There is no staging system for myelodysplastic syndromes. Treatment is based on whether the disease developed after the patient was exposed to factors that cause myelodysplastic syndrome or whether the disease was previously treated. Myelodysplastic syndromes are grouped for treatment as follows:

• De novo myelodysplastic syndromes – De novo myelodysplastic syndromes develop without any known cause.
• Secondary myelodysplastic syndromes – Secondary myelodysplastic syndromes develop after the patient was treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other diseases or after being exposed to radiation or certain chemicals that are linked to the development of myelodysplastic syndromes. Secondary myelodysplastic syndromes may be harder to treat than de novo myelodysplastic syndromes.
• Previously treated myelodysplastic syndromes – The myelodysplastic syndrome has been treated but has not gotten better.

Treatment for Myelodysplastic Syndrome:

• Blood transfusions
• Bone marrow stem cell transplant
• Medications used to increase the number of healthy blood cells your body produces include: Medications that increase the number of blood cells your body makes, Medications that stimulate blood cells to mature, rather than remain immature, Medications that suppress your immune system, Medication for people with a certain genetic abnormality.
• Supportive care through administration of growth factors to stimulate immature cells to development into mature blood cells
• Destruction of abnormal cells through administration of chemotherapy, at either low, conventional, or high doses, depending on the condition of the patient and the aggressiveness of their disease
• Replacement of damaged bone marrow with healthy cells that develop into blood cells, a procedure called stem cell transplantation

Risk Factors for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma more likely. Below are some of them.

• People with immune deficiencies (due to inherited conditions, drug treatment, organ transplants, or HIV infection) have a much higher chance of developing lymphoma than people without an immune deficiency.
• People with certain autoimmune diseases (where the immune system constantly attacks a certain part of the body) have an increased risk of getting lymphoma.
• People with certain chronic infections are also at increased risk, probably because the immune system is constantly making new lymphocytes to fight the infection, which increases the chances for mistakes in DNA.
• People in their 60s or older
• Higher in men than women
• Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation
• Infections that weaken the immune system
• Immune system deficiency
• Autoimmune diseases
• Medications that suppress your immune system. If you've had an organ transplant, you're more susceptible because immunosuppressive therapy has reduced your body's ability to fight off new illnesses.
• Infection with certain viruses and bacteria. Certain viral and bacterial infections appear to increase the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Viruses linked to increased non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk include HIV, hepatitis C virus and Epstein-Barr virus. Bacteria linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori.
• Chemicals. Certain chemicals, such as those used to kill insects and weeds, may increase your risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. More research is needed to understand the possible link between pesticides and the development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Older age. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. It's most common in people in their 60s or older.

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpit or groin
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Chest pain, coughing or trouble breathing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer:

• Stage I – Cancer is found only in a single lymph node, in the area immediately surrounding that node, or in a single organ.
• Stage II – Cancer involves more than one lymph node area on one side of the diaphragm (the breathing muscle separating the abdomen from the chest).
• Stage III – The cancer involves lymph node regions above and below the diaphragm. For example, there may be swollen lymph nodes under the arm and in the abdomen.
• Stage IV – Cancer involves one or more organs outside the lymph system or a single organ and a distant lymph node site.

In some patients, the lymphoma may grow out of the lymph system into adjacent organs. This is referred to as extranodal extension and designated by an “E” following the stage. For example, a stage II lymphoma that extended into the lungs would be referred to as stage IIE.
Patients with malignant lymphoma may also experience general symptoms from their disease. Patients with fever, night sweats or significant weight loss are said to have “B” symptoms. If these specific symptoms are not present, patients are further classified as “A”.

Treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Stem Cell Transplant
• Medications that enhance your immune system's ability to fight cancer
• Medications that deliver radiation directly to cancer cells

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer can include:

We do not yet know exactly what causes Ovarian Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Ovarian Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Inherited gene mutations
• Family history of ovarian cancer
• A previous cancer diagnosis. If you've been diagnosed with cancer of the breast, colon, rectum or uterus, your risk of ovarian cancer is increased.
• Increasing age
• Never having been pregnant
• Hormone replacement therapy for menopause
• Obesity

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer can include:

• Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
• Pelvic discomfort or pain
• Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate
• Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full
• Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist
• A persistent lack of energy
• Low back pain

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer:

• Stage I – Cancer is found only in one or both of the ovaries. Cancer cells may also be found in abdominal fluid, or ascites.
• Stage II – Cancer is found in the ovaries and has spread to the uterus (womb), the fallopian tubes, or other areas within the pelvis. Cancer cells may also be found in abdominal fluid, or ascites.
• Stage III – Cancer is found in the ovaries and has spread to other body locations within the abdomen, such as the surface of the liver, intestine or lymph nodes.
• Stage IV – Cancer is found in the ovaries and has spread outside the abdomen  or inside of the liver.
• Recurrent or Refractory – Recurrent disease means that the cancer has returned (recurred) after it has been treated. Refractory disease means the cancer is no longer responding to treatment.

Treatment for Ovarian Cancer:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer can include:
We do not yet know exactly what causes Pancreatic Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Pancreatic Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Increasing age, especially people over age 60
• Being overweight or obese
• Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Diabetes
• Family history of genetic syndromes that can increase cancer risk, including a BRCA2 gene mutation, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Lynch syndrome and familial atypical mole-malignant melanoma (FAMMM)
• Personal or family history of pancreatic cancer
• Smoking
• Heavy exposure at work to certain pesticides, dyes, and chemicals used in metal refining
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Heavy alcohol use
• Stomach problems

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer can include:

• Upper abdominal pain that may radiate to your back
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Depression
• Blood clots

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Pancreatic Cancer:

• Stage I – Cancer is confined to the pancreas.
• Stage II – Cancer may extend to the duodenum, bile ducts, or fat surrounding the pancreas, but does not invade any local lymph nodes.
• Stage III – Cancer invades one or more of the local lymph nodes and has extended to major blood vessels.
• Stage IV – Cancer has spread to the stomach, bowel, or distant locations in the body, which may include the liver, lungs, bones, or other sites.
• Recurrent/Relapsed – The pancreatic cancer has been detected or returned (recurred/relapsed) following an initial treatment.

Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Drug Therapy
• Ablative Techniques
• Clinical Trials

Risk Factors for Renal/Kidney Cancer can include:
We do not yet know exactly what causes Renal/Kidney Cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that can make getting Renal/Kidney Cancer more likely. Below are some of them.

• Men are more likely than women
• Risk increases with age as you get older
• Obesity
• Smoking
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Certain chemicals in the workplace, such as asbestos and cadmium
• Treatment for kidney failure
• Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
• Hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma.
• Certain Medications such as Phenacetin or Diuretics
• Family history of kidney cancer

Symptoms of Renal/Kidney Cancer can include:

• Blood in your urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored
• Back pain just below the ribs that doesn't go away
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Intermittent fever

Note: There may be additional symptoms related to this cancer, and other diseases and conditions can cause similar symptoms, therefore it is important to see a doctor to rule out all other possible causes.

Stages of Renal/Kidney Cancer:

• Stage I – The primary cancer is 7 centimeters (about 3 inches) or less and is limited to the kidney, with no spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
• Stage II – The primary cancer is greater than 7 centimeters (about 3 inches) and is limited to the kidney, with no spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
• Stage III – The cancer has spread to the regional lymph nodes but not to distant sites in the body, and/or extends to the renal veins or vena cava (large vein returning blood to the heart located in the middle of the abdomen near the back).
• Stage IV – The cancer has spread to distant sites or invades directly beyond the local area.
• Recurrent Renal Cell Cancer – Renal cell cancer has returned after primary treatment.

Treatment for Renal/Kidney Cancer:

• Surgery
• Embolization
• Cryoablation
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Biological Therapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Clinical Trials