Carcinoma
Carcinoma is a type of malignant neoplasm that originates in the epithelial cells, which are the cells lining the surface of the skin and internal organs. It is commonly associated with cancer and can occur in various parts of the body, with the most prevalent forms developing in the lungs, breasts, colon, small intestine, and prostate. The development of carcinoma is often linked to a combination of genetic factors, exposure to certain viruses, radiation, toxins, and environmental influences, including tobacco use and excessive sunlight exposure. Symptoms can vary widely based on the carcinoma's location; for example, skin cancer might present as a changing mole or non-healing sore, while lung cancer could manifest as a persistent cough, chest pain, and hoarseness.
Treatment options typically include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, tailored to the type and stage of the carcinoma. The prognosis can vary significantly, with some cases being treatable and others leading to severe outcomes. Preventative measures, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding known carcinogens, are important in reducing the risk of developing carcinoma. Understanding the nature and implications of carcinoma is crucial for early detection and effective management.
Carcinoma
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: All
DEFINITION: A malignant neoplasm or tumor that arises in epithelial cells.
CAUSES: Tumor in epithelial cells of skin or internal organs; related to genetics, certain viruses, radiation, toxins, environmental and social factors (tobacco, pollution, sunlight, diet)
SYMPTOMS: Dependent on type and location of tumor (e.g., mole or open sore for skin cancer; painful cough, hoarseness, and chest pain for lung cancer); in general, headaches, chills, fever, fatigue, unusual bleeding, unintentional weight loss, vomiting
DURATION: Chronic, sometimes recurrent
TREATMENTS: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation
Causes and Symptoms
The term “carcinoma” is often used as a synonym for cancer. A carcinoma is a malignant or that arises in the epithelial cells of tissues that line the surface layer of skin or that cover the internal organs. The most common carcinomas develop in the lungs, breasts, colon, small intestine, prostate (in men), and (in women). In contrast, a sarcoma is a malignant neoplasm that affects mesenchymal tissue, the precursor to bone, muscle, and fat. Carcinomas are spread in the body through lymphatic fluid, most frequently to nearby lymph nodes, while sarcomas are spread in the body through the blood.
In general, carcinomas appear to be caused by a disturbance in the delicate balance of cell growth and death regulation. The normally detects and stops dysfunctional cell growth, but an abnormality in this system can cause cell growth regulators to malfunction, leading to an eventual development of cancerous cells. Other potential causes of carcinoma include genetics, certain viruses, radiation, toxins, and environmental and social factors such as tobacco, pollution, sunlight, and diet. It is important to understand, however, that the causes of most cancers are still not completely known. Therefore, the best preventive measure against cancer is the avoidance and cessation of products and actions that are definitely known to be cancer-causing. Tobacco has been clearly linked to lung cancer, and excessive sunlight exposure has been linked to skin cancer. A healthy diet, exercise, and regular medical examinations are some of the preventive steps recommended by the American Cancer Society to lessen the risks of developing most cancers.
Symptoms of carcinoma depend on the type and location of the tumor, or neoplasm. For example, skin cancer may appear as a mole that changes in color and texture in a short period of time or an open sore that does not heal properly, while lung cancer may manifest itself as a serious and painful cough accompanied by hoarseness and chest pain. Though some cancers may not have a specific symptomology, certain symptoms are common to most, including headaches, chills, fever, fatigue, unusual bleeding, unintentional weight loss, and vomiting.
Treatment and Therapy
The goal of most cancer treatments is to eliminate the carcinoma. The course of treatment taken depends entirely on the location and type of cancer. Three kinds of cancer treatment are most frequently used: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In cases where the carcinoma is confined to a specific organ or lymphatic nodule, surgery may be the prescribed course of treatment. When the carcinoma has spread throughout the body, radiation and may be the best viable options. Some cancers require a combination of all three modes of treatment.
Prognosis depends entirely on the carcinoma and the stage of the cancer when first diagnosed. Some carcinomas are successfully treated with little chance of recurrence, while others prove to be nonresponsive and eventually lead to death.
Bibliography:
American Cancer Society (ACS), 2013.
"Cancer." MedlinePlus, May 2, 2013.
Cancer Care, 2013.
"Carcinoma: Types, Treatment & What It Is." Cleveland Clinic, 31 May 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23180-carcinoma#:. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Cooper, Geoffrey M. Elements of Human Cancer. Boston: Jones and Bartlett, 1992.
Dollinger, Malin, et al. Everyone’s Guide to Cancer Therapy. 5th ed. Kansas City, Mo.: Andrews McMeel, 2008.
Holleb, Arthur I., ed. The American Cancer Society Cancer Book: Prevention, Detection, Diagnosis, Treatment, Rehabilitation, Cure. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1986.
Llovet, Josep, M., et. al. "Hepatocellular Carcinoma." Nature Reviews Disease Primers, vol. 7, no.6, 21 Jan. 2021, doi.org/10.1038/s41572-020-00240-3. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
McKinnell, Robert Gilmore, ed. The Biological Basis of Cancer. 2d ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006.
"Understanding Cancer Series: Cancer." National Cancer Institute, Sept. 30, 2009.
Weinberg, Robert. The Biology of Cancer. 2d ed. New York: Garland Science, 2013.