Carcinomas are malignant tumors that arise in epithelial cells and can spread to other parts of the body. Early detection is key for a better prognosis. Tumors are caused by uncontrolled cell growth due to a genetic defect. Biopsies are used to determine the severity and type of carcinoma for treatment planning.
A carcinoma is a malignant tumor that classically arises in epithelial cells, the cells that line the body’s internal organs and cavities, as well as supplying the outer layer of skin. Most human cancers are carcinomas and there is a wide variety of carcinomas, classified by structure and location. The prognosis for someone with a carcinomatous tumor varies, depending on the location and grade of the tumor. As a general rule, the earlier the tumor is caught, the better for the patient.
Tumors are areas of uncontrolled cell growth that are caused by a genetic defect in a cell that causes the cell to continue replicating with no control in place. Normally, the body tightly controls the number of cell replications, ensuring that cells make enough copies of themselves to replace dead and damaged cells, without causing uncontrolled growth. In the case of a tumor, something goes wrong and the cells begin to form a lump of tissue that can be benign or malignant.
Carcinomas occur when a genetic defect occurs in the skin cells. These tumors are classified as malignant because they have the ability to metastasize through surrounding tissue, spreading to other parts of the body, and also grow very rapidly and aggressively. Untreated cancer can lead to pain, unpleasant symptoms and death, as the body is riddled with cancerous tissue.
If a cancer is caught early, it may be classified as “carcinoma in situ,” which means that the cancer is premalignant. The cancer will be removed and the site will be monitored to check for recurrence. Typically, the margins of the area around the carcinoma tumor are also removed, to ensure that no rogue cells are still present. A pathologist usually examines the tumor and margins after removal to confirm that everything has been successfully removed.
When cancer is identified, a biopsy is usually done to determine whether it is adenosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or undifferentiated carcinoma. The biopsy will also be used to classify the tumor based on its size and area of spread, to determine the severity of the condition. Once the biopsy results are received, a doctor can work with the patient to develop a treatment plan, with the goal of removing or shrinking the cancer tumor and stopping it from spreading in the body.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
