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.

See also ADENOMA; ADENOMA-TO-CARCINOMA TRANSITION; BLASTOMA; SARCOMA; SKIN CANCER.

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