Carcinomas are the most common type of
cancer. They are formed by epithelial cells, which are the cells that
cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body. There are many types
of epithelial cells, which often have a column-like shape when viewed
under a microscope.
Carcinomas that begin in different epithelial cell types have specific names:
Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that forms in
epithelial cells that produce fluids or mucus. Tissues with this type
of epithelial cell are sometimes called glandular tissues. Most cancers
of the breast, colon, and prostate are adenocarcinomas.
Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that
begins in the lower or basal (base) layer of the epidermis, which is a
person’s outer layer of skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that
forms in squamous cells, which are epithelial cells that lie just
beneath the outer surface of the skin. Squamous cells also line many
other organs, including the stomach, intestines, lungs, bladder, and
kidneys. Squamous cells look flat, like fish scales, when viewed under a
microscope. Squamous cell carcinomas are sometimes called epidermoid
carcinomas.
Transitional cell carcinoma is a cancer
that forms in a type of epithelial tissue called transitional
epithelium, or urothelium. This tissue, which is made up of many layers
of epithelial cells that can get bigger and smaller, is found in the
linings of the bladder, ureters, and part of the kidneys (renal pelvis),
and a few other organs. Some cancers of the bladder, ureters, and
kidneys are transitional cell carcinomas.
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