Types of cancer we diagnose and treat

No matter what kind of cancer you have, Ascension Illinois specialists are among the most experienced and highly trained — here to support you throughout your journey.

Cancer conditions our specialists in Illinois treat

Ascension Illinois provides care for a wide range of cancer conditions. Understanding the type of cancer you have is an important step in developing your cancer treatment plan.

Blood cancers, such as leukemia, begin in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. These cancers affect how blood cells grow and function.

Hematology specialists diagnose and treat blood cancers and other blood disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, anemia, and bleeding and clotting disorders

Brain and spinal cord tumors can affect how the nervous system works. They may also affect nearby areas of the brain or spinal cord depending on their size and location.

Some tumors are cancerous (malignant), while others are noncancerous (benign). Both types can affect how the brain and spinal cord function.

Spinal cord tumors form on or around the spinal cord, which carries signals between the brain and the rest of your body.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women in the United States after skin cancers, with 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer during their lifetime.

Breast cancer develops when the healthy cells in the breast begin to change by growing and functioning in a different way. These cancerous cells can begin to build up and form a mass called a tumor, which exists as a lump inside your breast.

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum, which are part of the digestive system. Colon cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why prevention and detection are so important.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers affect organs involved in digestion, including the stomach, liver, pancreas and intestines.

Gynecological cancer affects women’s reproductive organs, including the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancer, but there are ways to lower that risk. Advances in screening and treatment have improved outcomes, especially when these cancers are treated early.

Head and neck cancers develop in the head and neck region and can affect your voice box (or larynx), nasal cavity, oral cavity (mouth, lips, gums, tongue, tonsils and roof of the mouth), sinuses, throat (or pharynx), thyroid gland or esophagus.

Lung and chest cancers develop in the lungs or structures in the chest that support breathing. Your lungs are two sponge-like organs located on each side of your chest, responsible for supplying oxygen to your body. There are two main types of lung cancer:

Non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer, which is less aggressive and spreads more slowly. This type of lung cancer has three main groups: squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Small cell carcinoma, which is found in 10 to 15% of all lung cancer cases.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland and is the second most common cancer in men in the United States after skin cancers. Because early-stage prostate cancer may not show symptoms, some men may not realize there is an issue — possibly for years.

Urologic cancers affect the urinary system and, in men, the reproductive system.

Skin cancer starts in the cells of the skin and can affect nearby tissue. Over time, it may spread to other areas of the body.

Common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. These types of skin cancers are often caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure over time.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.