There are more than 100 types of cancer. Types of cancer are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form. For example, lung cancer starts in cells of the lung, and brain cancer starts in cells of the brain. Cancers also may be described by the type of cell that formed them, such as an epithelial cell or a squamous cell.

You can search National Cancer Institute’s website for information on specific types of cancer based on the cancer’s location in the body or by using the A to Z List of Cancers.

Note that most every type of cancer can have different type of cells for the same type.

For example, pancreatic cancer can develop from two kinds of cells in the pancreas: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells in the pancreas. The exocrine type is more common and is usually found at an advanced state. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (islet cell tumors) are less common but have a better prognosis.