Carcinoma is a common type of cancer that can grow almost anywhere in the body. It can be treated with radiation, chemotherapy, drug therapy, and surgery, but not all types are curable. Carcinoma can arise from damaged or mutated epithelial cells and can be classified by type and stage. Early detection and treatment can increase the chances of recovery and survival.
Carcinoma is a medical term used to describe a malignant or cancerous tumor. One of the four major types of cancer, carcinoma is the most commonly seen variety in humans, capable of growing almost anywhere in the body. Some varieties of this tumor can be treated and even removed with the application of radiation, chemotherapy, drug therapy and surgery. Unfortunately, not all stages and types of cancer are curable and in some cases can be fatal.
This type of malignant tumor can arise almost anywhere in the body because it invades skin cells. These cells line most surfaces of the body, resting on connective tissue and providing the building blocks for many glands. Epithelial cells are spread throughout the body and are found in the reproductive, urinary, digestive, lymphatic, nervous, and respiratory systems, as well as throughout the skin, parts of the eyes and nose, and in blood vessels. If these cells are damaged or mutated in any way, a cancerous tumor can form.
There are several methods to define the types of carcinoma; because there are so many variations that cancer can take, understanding the differences can be somewhat confusing and contradictory. Basal cell carcinomas are responsible for many cases of skin cancer, resulting from cell damage from overexposure to the sun. Squamous cell carcinomas also cause skin cancer, but tend to be more invasive and occur more frequently than the basal cell varieties. Adenocarcinoma grows in the glands and can affect many different organs in the body, including the lungs, colon, and reproductive organs. Other types, such as ductal varieties, can originate in the milk production system of females, resulting in breast cancer.
Some cancers are classified according to their progression and level of invasiveness. Medical professionals can describe the severity of the cancer based on its stage, with stage one being the earliest form and stage four generally being the most advanced. The size, shape, location and appearance of the spread to other organs help define the soundstage. Almost all types of this cancer have the potential to metastasize or spread, causing other cancers throughout the body. Cancers that are caught early are usually treated aggressively to prevent metastases, but treatment is still possible even after the condition has spread throughout the body.
While cancer remains a scary word, advanced medical treatment options provide some hope for people with cancer or other signs of cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapy can help increase the chances of recovery and survival, although these chances are often greatly increased if the cancer is caught early. While it’s not always possible to prevent cancer, understanding your family history and getting regular medical checkups and screenings can help you get cancer right away.
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