Cancer Types And The Cells They Originate From

Meningioma

Meningioma is a tumor that develops in the cells that make up the meninges, the layers of tissue encapsulating the spinal cord ad brain. Meningiomas are most likely to develop in the arachnoid cells in the meninges. Grade I meningiomas are benign and tend to grow slowly, grade II meningiomas are quicker growing and contain atypical cells, and grade III meningiomas are malignant and metastasize to other parts of the body quickly. The most prevalent locations where meningiomas are found include the top outer surface of the brain and at the base of the skull. Sphenoid meningiomas develop on the sphenoidal ridge behind the eyes, olfactory groove meningiomas develop near the nerves that connect the brain to the nose, suprasellar meningiomas develop near the pituitary gland, and spinal meningiomas develop in the spine at chest level. The symptoms of a meningioma depend on which part of the central nervous system is being affected by the growing tumor.

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Melanoma

Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops in the skin cells responsible for producing pigment. These cells are referred to as melanocytes, and they are located in the upper layer of the skin and produce melanin, a pigment that provides the skin with its coloring. When the cells of the skin are exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun, the melanocytes are stimulated to produce more melanin, which makes the skin tan. While this process is designed in the body to protect the tissues that sit under the skin, it can also cause problems. Ultraviolet exposure can cause excessive damage to cellular DNA in the melanocytes, which may cause them to grow quickly and reproduce out of control.

Four types of melanoma can develop in an individual. Superficial spreading melanoma grows on the surface of the skin for an extended period before it affects other tissues underneath it. Lentigo maligna melanoma occurs most often in older individuals and may grow slightly faster than superficial spreading melanoma. Acral lentiginous melanoma grows under the nails, on the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. Nodular melanoma grows deep into the skin and aggressively spreads to other tissues.