Author: Andrew Parker, MD
Andrew Parker, MD
Dr. Andrew Parker is a board-certified internal medicine physician with over 10 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and has worked at leading hospitals including St. Mary’s Medical Center. Dr. Parker specializes in patient education and digital health communication. He now focuses on creating clear, accessible, and evidence-based medical content for the public.
What is chondrosarcoma? Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer belonging to the group of connective tissue cancers. It is a rare condition that originates from the transformation of cartilage tissue in the body. Common symptoms may include bone pain, the formation of lumps or swelling in a particular area of the body, and fatigue. The most common treatment usually starts with surgery to remove the tumor, which may be followed by reconstructive surgery. According to statistics, about 79% of people with chondrosarcoma survive at least five years after being diagnosed. Overview of Chondrosarcoma What…
What is Angiosarcoma? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue sarcoma that originates in the inner lining (endothelium) of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. Although it can develop almost anywhere in the body, it most frequently appears on the skin—particularly on the scalp, head, neck, or chest. Less commonly, it may form inside internal organs such as the heart, liver, or spleen. These tumors are malignant and have a high tendency to recur after treatment. Understanding Angiosarcoma Because blood vessels and lymphatic vessels exist throughout the body, angiosarcoma can develop in multiple…
Connective Tissue Cancer (Sarcoma): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Connective tissue cancer, or sarcoma, is a rare type of cancer that develops in bones or connective tissues such as muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and tissues adjacent to bones and joints. Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and location. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. General Overview What is Connective Tissue Cancer? Connective tissue cancer (sarcoma) is a malignancy arising in soft tissue or bone – both of which provide structural support for the body. Soft tissue includes: Muscles Fat Tendons Ligaments Blood vessels Nerves…
Multifocal Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Multifocal breast cancer is a type of breast malignancy in which two or more tumors develop within the same quadrant of the breast and originate from the same primary lesion. This presentation carries a higher risk of lymph node involvement and distant metastasis than single-focus breast cancer, often requiring more complex diagnostic and treatment approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Overview of Multifocal Breast Cancer What is Multifocal Breast Cancer? Multifocal breast cancer refers to the presence of two or more malignant lesions arising within the same breast quadrant or region, typically stemming…
Stage 1 Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It is the third most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death (combined for both men and women). However, incidence and mortality rates have steadily declined in recent years, likely due to improved screening and better treatment methods. Colon cancer is staged from 0 (earliest) to 4 (most advanced). Overview of Stage 1 Colon Cancer The colon is part of the gastrointestinal tract, which also includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The colon constitutes…
Acute Blood Cancer (Acute Leukemia): Definition, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Acute blood cancer, also known as acute leukemia, is a rapidly progressing hematologic malignancy that requires prompt treatment. It develops when bone marrow cells undergo malignant transformation, producing cancerous blood cells. These abnormal cells proliferate and replace healthy blood cells, impairing immunity, blood clotting, and oxygen transport. Cancer cells may also infiltrate the spleen, liver, and other organs. General Overview What is Acute Blood Cancer? Acute blood cancer encompasses a group of malignancies arising from abnormal transformation of hematopoietic stem cells. Tumor changes may involve the myeloid or lymphoid cell…
Laryngeal cancer arises from the epithelial cells of the larynx (voice box). This form of throat cancer may damage your voice and, if not detected and treated promptly, can spread to other organs. What are the causes of laryngeal cancer and how is it treated? What is Laryngeal Cancer? The larynx is located in the front of the neck between the pharynx and the trachea. It allows air to flow into and out of the lungs and helps expel foreign objects via coughing. Laryngeal cancer occurs when malignant cells develop from the epithelial lining of the larynx, forming a mass…
Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Globally, up to 80% of women are exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV) at least once in their lifetime. HPV infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, with the highest infection rate (20–25%) among women aged 20–30. Cervical cancer is a serious malignant disease but is largely preventable and treatable if detected early. However, it often presents with subtle or no early symptoms, leading many women to remain unaware of their condition. Overview of Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer arises from malignant transformation of cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting…
Gastric Cancer: Signs, Causes, and Treatment Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, ranking third in incidence among men and fourth among women. Men are twice as likely to develop the disease compared to women. Overview of Gastric Cancer Gastric cancer refers to abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells at any location within the stomach. Tumors can arise anywhere but most frequently originate from glandular tissue lining the stomach’s inner surface. Stages of Gastric Cancer Stage 0 (Early stage): Malignant cells are confined to the stomach mucosa. Stage I: Cancer cells invade the second layer of the…
Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Breast cancer is a type of malignancy that originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast tissue, where cells grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. However, early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve survival outcomes. Overview of Breast Cancer Breast cancer arises from abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of cells within the breast. This process may result in the formation of palpable lumps or masses. Such masses can be benign (non-cancerous, non-invasive) or malignant (cancerous, with the potential to spread to axillary…