Oncology on Cancer

Cancers of the Body Systems

Oncology on Cancer

Types of cancer by body system, diagnostic tests, treatments, & the MA's role

Reproductive System

Respiratory System

Digestive System

Circulatory System

Urinary System

Endocrine System

Nervous System

Skeletal System

Reproductive Cancers

FEMALE

MALE

Testicular Cancer

Prostate Cancer

learn more about each type of cancer

Male Reproductive Cancers

Ovarian cancer

Cervical cancer

EndometrialCancer

Breast cancer

learn more about each type of cancer

Female Reproductive Cancers

lung cancer

learn more about each type of cancer

Cancer in the Respiratory System

Stomach CAncer

EsophageaL CAncer

Liver CAncer

OraL CAncer

Colorectal cancer

learn more about each type of cancer

Cancer in the Digestive System

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Leukemia

learn more about each type of cancer

Cancer in the Circulatory System

Bladder Cancer

Kidney Cancer

learn more about each type of cancer

Cancer in the Urinary System

Pancreatic Cancer

Thyroid Cancer

learn more about each type of cancer

Cancer in the Endocrine System

Brain Cancer

learn more about each type of cancer

Cancer in the Nervous System

Chondrosarcoma

Osteosarcoma

learn more about each type of cancer

Cancer in the Skeletal System

jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss

Pancreatic Cancer

• Assist with imaging and blood tests.
• Educate on post-surgical recovery.
• Provide support during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

• CT Scan: Imaging to detect tumors in the pancreas and surrounding tissues.
• MRI: Advanced imaging to assess the spread of cancer.
• Blood Tests: Measures cancer markers related to pancreatic cancer.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of part or all of the pancreas (pancreatectomy).
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to destroy pancreatic cancer cells.
• Radiation: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells in the pancreas.

Role of MA

a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in appearance, discharge

Breast Cancer

• Assist with mammograms and biopsies.
• Educate patients on post-surgical care.
• Provide emotional support.

• Mammogram: X-ray of the breast to detect tumors or abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue to further examine lumps.
• Biopsy: Removal of tissue sample to check for cancer cells.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy): Removal of the tumor or the entire breast.

• Radiation: High-energy rays target and kill cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy: Drug treatment to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Role of MA

blood in urine, pain in side, lump in abdomen

Kidney Cancer

• Prepare patients for imaging tests.
• Collect urine samples.
• Provide post-treatment care information.

• CT Scan: Detailed imaging to check for kidney tumors.
• MRI: Advanced imaging to assess kidney cancer.
• Urinalysis: Tests for blood and abnormalities in urine.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of the affected kidney (nephrectomy).
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs used to specifically target cancer cells in the kidney.
• Radiation: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells in the kidney.

Role of MA

enlarged lymph nodes, itching, fever, and weight loss

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Assist with imaging and biopsies.
• Educate on post-treatment care.
• Provide emotional support.

• Lymph Node Biopsy: Removal of lymph node tissue to check for cancer cells.
• Imaging Tests (CT, MRI): Used to detect the spread of lymphoma.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells in the lymphatic system.
• Radiation: High-energy beams to target and destroy cancerous lymph nodes.

Role of MA

persistent pain or swelling near a bone, often around the knee or upper arm

Osteosarcoma

• Assist with imaging tests and biopsies.
• Provide education on post-surgical care and recovery.
• Support during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

• X-ray: Imaging to detect bone tumors and assess damage.
• MRI: Advanced imaging to evaluate the size and spread of the tumor.
• Biopsy: Collection of bone tissue for cancer analysis.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor and possibly part of the affected bone.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to shrink or kill the bone tumor before or after surgery.
• Radiation: High-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in the bone.

Role of MA

headaches, vision changes, memory problems, and balance issues

Brain Cancer

• Assist with imaging and neurological exams.
• Provide post-surgical care education.
• Support during radiation or chemotherapy sessions.

• MRI: Advanced imaging to detect brain tumors and assess their size and location.
• CT Scan: Imaging test used to visualize brain structures and tumors.
• Neurological Exam: Assesses nerve function and coordination to detect brain damage.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of part or all of the brain tumor.
• Radiation: High-energy beams to target and destroy brain tumor cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drug therapy to kill or shrink brain tumors.

Role of MA

typically symptomless, possible painless vaginal bleeding; abnormal pap smear

Cervical Cancer

• Assist with Pap smears and colposcopies.
• Educate patients on HPV prevention.
• Provide post-procedure instructions.

• Pap Smear: Collection of cells from the cervix to detect cancerous changes.
• HPV Test: Screening for human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical cancer.
• Colposcopy: Visual exam of the cervix with a magnifying instrument to detect abnormalities.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of cancerous cells or cervix (hysterectomy).
• Radiation: High-energy beams target the tumor in the cervix.
• Chemotherapy: Drug treatment to destroy cancer cells.

Role of MA

affects blood and bone marrow, causing fatigue, infections, and paleness

Leukemia

• Assist with blood sample collection.
• Support during bone marrow biopsies.
• Educate on managing side effects of treatment.

• Blood Tests (CBC): Measures the number and types of blood cells to detect abnormalities.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: Collection of bone marrow tissue to examine for cancerous cells.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Chemotherapy: Drug treatment to kill leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow from a donor.

Role of MA

painless sore or mass in the mouth, difficulty chewing or swallowing

Oral Cancer

• Assist with biopsies and imaging.
• Educate on oral hygiene and care post-surgery.
• Provide emotional support.

• Oral Exam: Visual inspection of the mouth to detect abnormalities.
• Biopsy: Collection of tissue from the mouth for cancer analysis.
• CT Scan: Imaging test to check for the spread of cancer in the head and neck area.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues.
• Radiation: High-energy rays used to target and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs used to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Role of MA

difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food

Esophageal Cancer

• Assist with endoscopy.
• Provide post-procedure care information.
• Educate patients on dietary changes.

• Endoscopy: Uses a scope to view the esophagus and detect tumors.
• Biopsy: Collection of tissue to check for cancer cells.
• Barium Swallow Test: Imaging test to evaluate swallowing and esophageal function.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of part or all of the esophagus.
• Radiation: High-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drug treatment to destroy cancer cells.

Role of MA

abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue

Liver Cancer

• Assist with imaging tests and blood tests.
• Educate on post-surgical care.
• Provide emotional support during treatment.

• Blood Tests: Measure liver function and detect cancer markers.
• CT Scan: Detailed imaging to check for liver tumors.
• MRI: Advanced imaging to detect and assess liver cancer.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of the affected portion of the liver or liver transplant.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill or stop the growth of liver cancer cells.

Role of MA

postmenopausal bleeding

Endometrial Cancer

• Assist with exams and biopsies.
• Educate patients on post-surgical care.
• Provide emotional support.

• Pelvic Exam: Physical examination of the uterus to check for abnormalities.
• Biopsy: Collection of tissue from the endometrium for cancer analysis.
• Ultrasound: Imaging test to view the uterus and detect tumors.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) or affected areas.
• Radiation: High-energy rays target and kill cancer cells in the uterine lining.
• Chemotherapy: Drug treatment to stop the growth of cancer cells.

Role of MA

lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing

Thyroid Cancer

• Assist with biopsies and imaging.
• Educate patients on hormone replacement therapy.
• Provide care instructions post-surgery.

• Ultrasound: Imaging test to view the thyroid and detect abnormal growths.
• Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: Collection of thyroid tissue for analysis.
• Thyroid Function Tests: Blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of part or all of the thyroid (thyroidectomy).
• Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Uses radioactive iodine to destroy cancer cells in the thyroid.
• Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Replaces missing thyroid hormones after surgery.

Role of MA

lump in the testicle

Testicular Cancer

• Assist with ultrasounds and blood tests.
• Educate patients on self-examination and recovery.
• Provide emotional support.

• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the testicle and detect masses.
• Blood Tests (Tumor Markers): Measures certain proteins that can indicate testicular cancer.
• Biopsy: Removal of tissue from the testicle to determine if it’s cancerous.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy).
• Radiation: High-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs used to eliminate cancer throughout the body.

Role of MA

changes in bowel habits, blood in stools, rectal or abdominal pain

Colorectal Cancer

• Assist with colonoscopy preparation.
• Collect stool samples for testing.
• Educate on post-procedure care.

• Colonoscopy: A scope is used to view the colon and rectum to detect cancerous growths.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test: Tests for hidden blood in the stool.
• CT Colonography: A specialized CT scan that provides images of the colon.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of part or all of the colon or rectum.
• Radiation: High-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drug therapy to kill cancer cells in the body.

Role of MA

blood in urine, frequent need to urinate, pain during urination

Bladder Cancer

• Assist with cystoscopy and biopsies.
• Provide post-procedure instructions.

• Educate patients on care options.

• Cystoscopy: Uses a scope to view the inside of the bladder and take samples.
• Urinalysis: Tests urine for blood and other abnormal cells.
• Biopsy: Collection of tissue from the bladder for analysis.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor or part of the bladder (cystectomy).
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells in the bladder or throughout the body.
• Radiation: High-energy beams used to target and kill bladder cancer cells.

Role of MA

coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness

Lung Cancer

• Assist with imaging tests and bronchoscopy.
• Educate on lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation.
• Provide support during testing and treatment.

• Chest X-ray: Imaging test to detect tumors or lung abnormalities.
• CT Scan: Advanced imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the lungs.
• Bronchoscopy: A scope used to view the airways and collect tissue samples for biopsy.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of a part or the entire lung affected by cancer.
• Radiation: High-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drug therapy to attack and destroy cancer cells.

Role of MA

typically symptomless, with possible abdominal pain, and bloating

Ovarian Cancer

• Assist with ultrasounds and biopsies.
• Educate patients on recovery after surgery.
• Provide emotional support.

• Pelvic Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the ovaries and detect abnormalities.
• Blood Test (CA-125): Measures a protein linked to ovarian cancer.
• Biopsy: Removal of ovarian tissue for analysis.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of one or both ovaries and possibly other affected areas.
• Radiation: High-energy rays to kill cancer cells in the ovaries.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs used to stop the spread of cancer cells.

Role of MA

bony bump, pain, and limited movement of the affected bone

Chondrosarcoma

• Assist with imaging tests and biopsies.
• Provide care instructions post-surgery.
• Offer support during recovery.

• X-ray: Imaging to detect abnormal growth in cartilage or bone.
• MRI: Advanced imaging to assess the size and location of the tumor.
• Biopsy: Removal of cartilage tissue to analyze for cancer cells.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor and affected bone or cartilage.

Role of MA

symptomless in early stages, can cause difficulty urinating

Prostate Cancer

• Assist with PSA tests and DRE.
• Educate patients on post-surgical care.
• Provide emotional support.

• PSA Test: Measures prostate-specific antigen in the blood to detect prostate cancer.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Manual exam of the prostate to check for irregularities.
• Biopsy: Removal of prostate tissue to check for cancer cells.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of the prostate (prostatectomy).
• Radiation: High-energy beams used to kill prostate cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drug therapy to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Role of MA

indigestion, weight loss, nausea

Stomach Cancer

• Assist with endoscopy and biopsies.
• Educate on dietary changes post-surgery.
• Provide post-surgical care instructions.

• Endoscopy: Uses a scope to view the stomach lining for tumors or ulcers.
• Biopsy: Collection of tissue from the stomach for cancer analysis.
• Imaging Tests (CT, MRI): Used to evaluate the extent of cancer in the stomach and nearby organs.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

• Surgery: Removal of part or all of the stomach (gastrectomy).
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill or shrink cancer cells before or after surgery.

Role of MA