What are some types of tumors and their causes?

In that context, mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene cause one type of cancer.

Similar cancers in glandular epidermal tissues are often caused by mutations in this specific signaling pathway. For instance, different epidermoid lung cancers, parotid and salivary cancers, and some forms of breast cancer with this driving mutation are all essentially the same disease that manifest in different tissues depending on where the original mutation originated.

Some types of tumors include:

1. Benign tumors: These tumors are non-cancerous and typically do not spread to other parts of the body. They grow slowly and usually do not invade surrounding tissue.

2. Malignant tumors: Also known as cancerous tumors, these tumors are capable of invading nearby tissues and spreading to other parts of the body. They can be life-threatening if not treated.

3. Carcinomas: These tumors originate in the epithelial tissue, which covers the body's surfaces and lines internal organs. Common examples include breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.

4. Sarcomas: Sarcomas develop in the connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, cartilage, or blood vessels. Examples include osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and leiomyosarcoma (muscle cancer).

5. Lymphomas: Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. They typically originate in lymph nodes but can also develop in other lymphoid tissues. Examples include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

6. Leukemias: Leukemias are cancers of the blood cells and bone marrow. They result in the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which impairs the body's ability to fight infections.

The causes of tumors vary depending on the type but can include genetic factors, exposure to carcinogens (such as tobacco smoke or ultraviolet radiation), certain infections (such as human papillomavirus and Helicobacter pylori), hormonal factors, and immune system deficiencies.