Cancer

Cells are the structural units of all living things. The most fundamental characteristic of cells is their ability to reproduce themselves by dividing. The division of normal and healthy cells occurs in a regulated and systematic fashion. In many parts of the body, the cells continually divide and form new cells to replace old cells that die. For example, when you cut your finger, certain cells divide rapidly until the tissue is healed and the skin is repaired. They will then go back to their normal rate of division. In contrast, cancer cells divide in a haphazard and uncontrolled manner. The result is that they develop into a non-structured mass or tumor. Cancers also have the ability to metastasize; that is to spread through the blood and form tumors at new sites.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the white blood cells, the cells in the body that normally fight infections. There are two main types of white blood cells-lymphoid cells and myeloid cells. ALL affects lymphoid cells. Leukemia cells are abnormal cells that cannot do what normal blood cells do. The abnormal cells are immature white blood cells that cannot help the body fight infections. For this reason, children with ALL often get infections and have fevers. ALL is also called acute lymphocytic leukemia. It is the most common leukemia in children. According to the National Cancer Institute, occurs in about one of every 29,000 children in the United States each year, representing 23 percent of cancer diagnoses among children younger than 15 years of age.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of blood-forming tissues of the bone marrow characterized by the growth of immature white blood cells. White blood cells, which normally help to fight infection, lose their ability to differentiate and then quickly multiply and replace normal cells. Consequently, the patient loses the ability to fight infection and microorganisms. More than 11,900 new cases occur in the United States each year according the National Marrow Donor Program.

Bladder Cancer

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 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. The National Cancer Institute estimated 68,810 new cases in 2008.

Brain Tumor

Primary brain tumors are classified as either benign or malignant tumors. If malignant, the tumors generally destroy brain cells and damage those around them. In addition, both benign and malignant brain tumors typically press against the brain, causing the brain to swell and thus increasing the pressure in the skull. The cause of these tumors is unknown and because there are many different types, many different risk factors may play a role. Brain metastases are cancerous tumors which originate from a cancer in another part of the body (e.g., the breast) and subsequently form in the brain. Brain tumors can develop at any age, though gliomas, metastases and meningiomas are more common in adults. The National Institute of Cancer estimated 21, 810 new cases in 2008.