Rare Tumors

This section concerns rare types of cancer. It includes information on what they are, their different types and their treatments. It also covers ongoing research and how rare cancers are treated. If you cannot find information about the cancer you are looking for here, use the search box to check other parts of our website. You can also contact us if you cannot find the information you need.

What does rare cancer mean?

Rare cancers can be described as subtypes of common cancers.

As doctors and researchers, as our knowledge of cancer increases, we do not recognize cancer subtypes according to their particular features and differences. This classification can sometimes be our greatest help in choosing the right treatment. Some of these subtypes are rare.

Some cancer subtypes are treated differently. For example, breast angiosarcoma is treated differently from most other breast cancers. When this is the case, we will include them in our list of rare cancers.

If you cannot find the exact name of your cancer in our rare cancer list, it may be because it is treated in the same way as the cancer in its main category (information on treatments for common cancers is available here). For example, ovarian cancer has many subtypes, including serous, endometrioid, clear cell and mucinous. However, they are all treated in the same way, and all the information in our regular ovarian cancer section applies to you.

What are the symptoms of rare cancers?

Deciding whether a symptom or complaint is due to cancer can be difficult, particularly for rare cancers. Cancer-related signs and symptoms closely resemble those of other medical conditions.

Some oncologists have advanced expertise in rare cancers or uncommon cancer subtypes. Most people with a rare cancer may naturally first consult the cancer specialist who is easiest to reach. However, if another cancer doctor specializes in treating rare cancers, your local oncologist may consult them or refer you.

Because rare cancers often do not have distinctive symptoms, you can look at the general symptoms of cancers of the organ where they originate to gain an idea (see the cancer symptoms section).

General signs and symptoms of cancer

It is important to know your body and tell your doctor if you notice a change that is not normal for you.

• Anyone can develop cancer, but it is more common with increasing age (65% of cancers occur in people aged 50 and over). If you notice a new, unusual or persistent change in your body, see your doctor.
• Signs and symptoms are more likely to be caused by something less serious than cancer, but they may be signs of illness.

Detecting cancer early means treatment is more likely to succeed...

There are very few Turkish-language resources on rare cancers. The articles below aim to help fill this gap.