Carcinoma - definition, types tumor and cancer
A cancerous tumor that arises from epithelial cells. Epithelial cells form the surface layer of tissue throughout the body: the SKIN, mucous membranes, and serous membranes (lining of the internal body cavities). Carcinoma is the most common form of cancer. A carcinoma generally carries the name of the tissue or site of its origin; for example, basal cell carcinoma originates in the basal cells of the skin and ADENOCARCINOMA originates in a glandular structure. Treatment depends on the nature, location, and size of the carcinoma and may incorporate surgery, CHEMOTHERAPY, RADIATION THERAPY, and IMMUNOTHERAPY.
| TYPES OF CARCINOMA | |
|---|---|
| Tumor | Location |
| ADENOCARCINOMA | glandular tissue |
| basal cell carcinoma | SKIN |
| intraductal carcinoma | BREAST |
| large-cell carcinoma | lung |
| lobular carcinoma | BREAST |
| small-cell carcinoma | lung |
| squamous cell carcinoma | skin, mucous membranes |
See also ADENOMA; ADENOMA-TO-CARCINOMA TRANSITION; BLASTOMA; SARCOMA; SKIN CANCER.
