C00-C97: Malignant neoplasms

Malignant neoplasms, often known as cancers, are a group of conditions characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in various parts of the body. They can develop in almost any tissue or organ, such as the lungs, breast, colon, or skin. These conditions typically arise when the body's normal control mechanisms stop working - old cells do not die and instead form a mass of tissue called a tumor (excluding leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function due to abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Not all tumors are malignant, or cancerous; benign tumors, for example, are not. Cancer progression varies with its type and stage, but common symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, pain, skin changes, or changes in bowel or bladder function. Factors that increase your risk can include age, smoking, certain viruses and bacteria, exposure to sunlight and radiation, certain chemicals and other substances, certain hormones, family history of cancer, alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight.