Carcinophobia could grip anyone who figures out that there are more than 200 different types of cancer that develop from different types of cells in different parts of the body. Some of these cancers are termed ‘rare’ because fewer than 2 in 100,000 people are diagnosed with it each year.
On medical terms, a cancer could be considered rare if it develops in an unusual site in the body
- Retinoblastoma that develops from the immature cells of a retina
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans develops in the deep layers of the skin
- Male breast cancer
- Heart cancer
- Esthesioneuroblastoma involving nasal cavity .
Cancer is also termed rare if it needs specialized treatment procedures.
- Angiosarcoma of the breast is treated differently to most other breast cancers.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor which needs specialized treatment when compared to the other common cancers of the digestive tract.
Rare cancers seem like vampires; scary, unheard of, with little or no information available. Many feel isolated because they are less likely to meet other people with the same type, thus denying any chances of sharing experiences or finding support. In some cases, the patient may need to travel to a specialist hospital or doctor for treatment. Coping with rare cancer is a real challenge. Inaccurate or delayed diagnosis is a major obstacle for the proper treatment of such patients with which could lead to poor prognosis.
