What is Carcinoma?

Carcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cells lining the internal and external surfaces of the body. Unlike other forms of cancer, carcinomas typically arise from the cellular lining, or epithelium, making them the most common form of cancer in humans. Carcinomas can affect organs throughout the body and are classified based on the area of origin, such as lung carcinoma, prostate carcinoma and colon carcinoma.

Types of Carcinoma

Carcinomas can arise from any of the body’s epithelial tissues, however, the most common are adenocarcinomas, originating in the glands of the body, squamous cell carcinoma, originating in the squamous epithelium, and transitional cell carcinoma, originating in the transitional epithelium, located in the bladder and kidney. Non-epithelial carcinomas can also arise in the body, however, these forms are less common.

Common Symptoms of Carcinoma

The symptoms of carcinoma can vary depending on the type, location and stage of the cancer. Some of the more common signs of carcinoma are unexplained weight loss, fatigue, unexplained fevers, a lump or mass, changes in bowel habits, unusual bleeding, a cough that does not go away and changes in urination. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Carcinoma is the most common form of cancer and can be life-threatening if not treated early. Understanding the signs and types of carcinoma is the first step to early detection and treatment.