Carcinoma Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🦠
Add to dictionary
carcinoma
[ˌkɑːrsɪˈnoʊmə ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
medical term
A type of cancer that starts in cells that make up the skin or the tissue lining organs, such as the liver or kidneys. Carcinomas are the most common type of cancer.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- A biopsy revealed that the patient had a carcinoma in her lungs.
- He underwent surgery to remove the carcinoma from his colon.
- The doctor explained that early detection is crucial in treating carcinomas.
- The treatment plan includes chemotherapy to target the carcinoma cells.
- Regular screenings can help detect carcinomas at an early stage.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medical Facts
- Carcinomas are the most common type of cancer, accounting for about 80-90% of all cases.
- There are different types of carcinomas including adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which affect various types of tissues.
- Environmental factors like smoking and sun exposure can increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.
Pop Culture
- Carcinomas have been depicted in numerous films and series, often serving as antagonists to highlight the struggle against illness.
- Public health campaigns frequently use storytelling in media to raise awareness about prevention and treatment.
Psychology
- The diagnosis of carcinoma can lead to anxiety and stress, affecting both patients and families, highlighting the need for emotional support.
- Coping mechanisms, whether through therapy or support groups, can significantly contribute to the well-being of individuals facing cancer.
Literature
- Many authors explore themes of illness, mortality, and survival in their works, addressing the impact of carcinoma on lives.
- Classic novels often use characters affected by cancer to reflect on human fragility and the strength required to fight disease.
Origin of 'carcinoma'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'karkinoma', which means 'ulcer' or 'cancer', showing its historical medical roots.
- The prefix 'carcin' is derived from 'karkinos', meaning 'crab' in Greek, referencing how tumors can spread like a crab's legs.
The term 'carcinoma' originates from the Greek word 'karkinos' meaning crab, due to the crab-like spreading of the tumor. The concept of carcinoma has been recognized since ancient times, with early descriptions dating back to the Egyptian Edwin Smith Papyrus. Over the centuries, advancements in medical knowledge and technology have led to a better understanding and treatment of carcinomas.