Carcinoma

A carcinoma is a malignant tumor disease that develops through the mutation of epithelial tissue cells and their uncontrolled growth. These mutated cells lose their original function, divide uncontrollably, and possess the ability to invade surrounding tissue and form metastases in other body regions. Carcinomas can develop in the external and internal surfaces of the body, such as the skin, mucous membranes, or the lining of organs and glands. They usually comprise various subtypes that differ in their location and characteristics, such as lung, breast, or colorectal carcinoma.

Unlike other types of tumors like sarcomas, which develop from connective tissue, muscles, or bones, or leukemias, which affect the blood-forming system, carcinomas specifically develop from epithelial cells. The term “cancer” is often used colloquially as a collective term for all malignant tumor diseases, while carcinomas actually represent only a specific subgroup.

An important distinction in oncology lies between malignant and benign tumors. Malignant carcinomas typically grow extremely aggressively, infiltrate surrounding tissue, and can form metastases there. Therefore, malignant carcinomas are considered life-threatening. Benign tumors, on the other hand, usually grow slowly, remain locally confined, and do not form metastases. Although they are generally less dangerous, benign tumors can also cause health problems due to their size or location.

Carcinomas can occur in almost any organ or tissue, which accounts for their diversity and complexity. The precise classification of carcinomas depends on the tissue from which they develop, which also plays a central role in diagnosis and treatment selection. Some carcinomas grow slowly and are easily treatable, while others metastasize quickly and are harder to control. In the following sections, we will introduce various types of carcinomas that differ in their specific characteristics and origins.

Colorectal carcinoma, also known as colon cancer, is one of the most common cancers worldwide and affects the colon or rectum. It develops in the mucosal cells of the digestive tract and typically grows slowly. It often begins with benign growths called polyps, which can develop into cancer over time. The risk of cancer development can be significantly reduced through preventive examinations like colonoscopy. Early detection allows polyps to be removed promptly, significantly lowering the probability of colorectal carcinoma development. Common risk factors include unhealthy or unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. Typical symptoms can include blood in stool, persistent abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss. In advanced stages, it can also metastasize to neighboring organs such as the liver or lymph nodes.

Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a rare but aggressive cancer that develops from the epithelial cells of the bile ducts. The bile ducts’ function is to transport bile from the liver to the intestine. Cholangiocarcinoma can occur in various areas of the bile ducts, such as the intrahepatic, perihilar, or distal parts.
The risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma is significantly higher in people with certain pre-existing conditions such as chronic liver diseases, hepatitis B and C, or liver cirrhosis. Additionally, family history with certain genetic diseases plays an important role.
Symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma are often quite nonspecific and include jaundice, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Due to the late onset of symptoms, the carcinoma is often diagnosed only in advanced stages. Treatment options include surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, though prognosis heavily depends on the stage of the disease.

Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the most malignant tumors that develops in the pancreas. This type of cancer is particularly dangerous as it usually only causes symptoms at a very advanced stage, making early diagnosis significantly difficult. The pancreas plays an important role in digestion by producing digestive enzymes and secreting insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. The causes of pancreatic carcinoma are not fully understood, but there are several risk factors such as smoking, chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), certain genetic factors, and family history. Additional risk factors often include obesity, diabetes mellitus, and unhealthy diet.
Common symptoms of pancreatic carcinoma include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, and dark urine. Treatment often consists of a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and in some cases radiation therapy. However, prognosis significantly depends on the stage of the disease, with prognosis after detection of pancreatic carcinoma often being very poor.

Paget’s carcinoma is a rare form of skin cancer that is often localized in the breast. It is named after British surgeon Sir James Paget, who first described the condition in the 19th century. Paget’s carcinoma typically affects the nipple and surrounding skin. In many cases, Paget’s carcinoma is associated with an additional breast cancer diagnosis, as it often occurs as a skin manifestation of an underlying tumor in the milk ducts.
Paget’s carcinoma is caused by abnormally changing, malignant cells in the epidermis of the nipple. Typical symptoms include local redness, scaling, and itching of the skin around the nipple, often accompanied by a swollen or inflamed nipple. In advanced cases, skin lesions may also occur. The exact cause of Paget’s carcinoma is not fully understood, but it is believed to develop through the spread of cancer cells from the milk ducts or breast tissue. Treatment of Paget’s carcinoma usually involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and depending on findings, chemotherapy. The prognosis is usually favorable, especially if the tumor is detected and treated early.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer and develops from liver cells, called hepatocytes. It is one of the malignant liver tumors and is often associated with chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C infection. HCC frequently occurs in people who have suffered from impaired liver function for many years.
In HCC, tumor growth typically begins in the liver but can metastasize to surrounding organs. Common symptoms include upper abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, and general fatigue. HCC is often asymptomatic in early stages, making diagnosis difficult. The causes of HCC development are varied. Main risk factors include chronic viral liver infections, excessive alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, and certain genetic predispositions. Diagnosis usually involves imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI, and blood tests showing elevated liver values or tumor markers like alpha-fetoproteins.
Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma depends on the disease stage. Possible treatment options include liver transplantation, surgical tumor removal, or targeted local therapy. Early diagnosis and individualized therapy can significantly improve prognosis and quality of life.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare form of cancer that develops from cells of the neuroendocrine system. These cells can be found throughout the body, particularly in the digestive tract organs, adrenal glands, and pancreas. All these organs produce hormones that regulate body metabolism. In the case of neuroendocrine carcinoma, these cells develop in a malignant state and begin to grow uncontrollably. A specific characteristic of neuroendocrine carcinoma is the tumor cells’ ability to produce various biologically active substances, such as hormones. This can cause symptoms like hot flashes, diarrhea, and skin flushing. In many cases, neuroendocrine carcinoma grows slowly and remains symptom-free for a long time, making early diagnosis difficult. Treatment of neuroendocrine carcinoma heavily depends on the tumor type, stage, and affected body region. Surgical procedures to remove tumors, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy are commonly used. Early detection is crucial for this carcinoma as well and affects patient prognosis.

Sigmoid carcinoma is a malignant tumor that develops in the sigmoid colon, the last section of the large intestine. The sigmoid colon is part of the colon and is located near the rectum. This form of colorectal carcinoma typically occurs in middle to older age and is characterized by malignant changes in colon cancer cells. Symptoms of sigmoid carcinoma may initially be inconspicuous, but as the disease progresses, symptoms often include blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, frequent abdominal pain, or weight loss. Since these symptoms can occur with other conditions, colorectal carcinoma is often detected late.
Diagnosis usually involves colonoscopy, during which tissue samples are taken for microscopic examination. Imaging techniques like CT or MRI can also be used to assess tumor stage and potential metastases.
Generally, treatment often includes surgical removal of the tumor and in some cases chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the disease stage.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that develops from the squamous epithelial cells of the skin or mucous membranes. It frequently occurs in sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, or neck. However, it can also occur in mucous membranes such as the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is often promoted by chronic UV exposure or smoking, as these factors can damage cell growth and DNA.
Diagnosis is often made through biopsy, where tissue samples are taken and microscopically examined for cancer cells. Imaging techniques can also be used to determine the exact tumor stage and presence of metastases.

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma, as with other carcinomas, depends on the tumor stage and typically includes surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Immunotherapies are increasingly being investigated as treatment options.

Vulvar carcinoma is a malignant tumor that develops from the cells of the vulva, the external female genitalia. It is a relatively rare form of cancer that becomes more common with increasing age. Risk factors include chronic inflammation, HPV infections, and smoking. In early stages, vulvar carcinoma may be asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms such as itching or skin changes. Later, pain, bleeding, and ulcers of the vulva may occur. Accurate diagnosis is usually made through biopsy of suspicious areas.
In most cases, vulvar carcinoma is surgically removed or treated with additional radiation therapy or chemotherapy in advanced tumors to control the disease and prevent progression.

Endometrial carcinoma is a malignant tumor that develops in the endometrium, specifically the lining of the uterus. This form of cancer is one of the most common carcinomas occurring in women and typically appears after menopause. Risk factors include obesity, estrogen-based hormone therapies, and family history of uterine cancer.
Endometrial carcinoma often causes no symptoms in early stages, making it difficult to detect. In more advanced stages, however, unusual bleeding, particularly after menopause, as well as lower abdominal pain and weight loss often occur.
Diagnosis is usually made through ultrasound examinations and biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment of endometrial carcinoma depends on the cancer stage. In most cases, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is performed. In advanced cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also used. In some cases, hormone therapy may be used to inhibit cancer cell growth.

Skin carcinoma is an umbrella term describing all malignant tumors that develop in the skin. Generally, there are two main types of skin cancer, known as non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, is usually not life-threatening, while melanoma is particularly dangerous and can quickly spread to other body parts.
Merkel cell carcinoma is counted among the more aggressive forms of skin cancer and has a significantly higher probability of metastasis. It develops from Merkel cells in the skin. These cells are specialized cells that occur near the skin surface and play a role in touch sensation and perception. Compared to the more common basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, Merkel cell carcinoma is rarer but more dangerous due to its faster metastasis potential.
Merkel cell carcinomas usually appear as hard, shiny nodules or red-purple skin changes, often in areas exposed to intense sunlight. They often grow very rapidly, making treatment particularly difficult when detected late. Diagnosis is usually made through biopsy and imaging procedures such as ultrasound or CT.
Treatment of skin carcinomas, including Merkel cell carcinoma, often involves a combination of surgical removal, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, particularly when metastasis occurs. Early detection is therefore crucial to improve chances of cure, and regular skin checks are particularly important for timely skin cancer detection.

Prostate carcinoma is one of the most common forms of prostate cancer in men and affects the prostate, a small gland belonging to the male reproductive system responsible for producing seminal fluid. In early stages, prostate carcinoma can often be asymptomatic, which is why it’s frequently discovered during routine check-ups or incidentally during other examinations.
There are various risk factors for developing prostate carcinoma, including age, family history, and ethnicity. Men over 50 are particularly affected. Usually, the cancer tissue grows very slowly, so many patients with prostate carcinoma don’t immediately notice symptoms. However, signs such as difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or lower back pain may indicate advanced disease.
A typical tool for diagnosing prostate carcinoma is often the PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen) to detect elevated levels in the blood. Additionally, rectal examination is performed, and for more accurate diagnosis, a biopsy is taken. Treatment options for prostate carcinoma depend on the stage and aggressiveness of the tumor. Main treatment options include surgical removal of the prostate, radiation therapy, and hormone therapies. In advanced cases, when the tumor has metastasized, chemotherapy may also be considered.
Thanks to modern research, treatment approaches have become significantly more effective in recent years, substantially increasing survival rates.

Lung carcinoma is one of the most common and dangerous types of cancer worldwide, primarily promoted by long-term smoking and air pollution. There are two main types: small cell lung carcinoma, which grows quickly, and non-small cell lung carcinoma, which grows more slowly. Lung carcinomas often become noticeable through persistent cough, bloody sputum, shortness of breath, and weight loss. Diagnosis is usually made through X-ray or CT scans and biopsy. Only then can appropriate treatment, depending on the lung cancer stage, be determined. As with other carcinomas, surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are commonly used. Despite advanced therapies, lung carcinoma remains one of the cancer types with the highest mortality rate, making prevention and early diagnosis crucial.

Mammary carcinoma, also known as breast cancer, is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Risk factors include heredity, age, hormones such as prolonged hormone therapy, poor nutrition, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption. There are various types of mammary carcinomas, with invasive ductal carcinoma being the most common.
To detect breast cancer early, many countries offer mammography screening for women. Additionally, other methods such as ultrasound can be used, especially for women at increased risk.
Symptoms include noticeable lumps in the breast, skin changes, or nipple discharge. Early diagnosis through regular examinations significantly increases chances of cure.
Typically, treatment approaches here also include surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapies, and increasingly, immunotherapies.

Oropharyngeal carcinoma is a cancer that develops in the middle part of the throat, the oropharynx. It can also affect the tonsils, base of the tongue, and the posterior wall of the throat. One of the most common causes of this type of carcinoma is infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly the high-risk types HPV-16 and HPV-18. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also considered significant risk factors.
The carcinoma manifests in typical symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, throat or ear pain, and in some cases, unexplained weight loss. It’s important to have these symptoms evaluated early, as timely diagnosis can significantly improve treatment options and chances of recovery.

Cardiac carcinoma is a form of stomach cancer that develops in the cardia region, the transition point between the esophagus and the stomach. This type of carcinoma is particularly significant because the cardiac region is directly connected to the esophagus, and therefore risk factors such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn can play a role. Infections with Helicobacter pylori, chronic alcohol abuse, and smoking also increase the risk of developing cardiac carcinoma.
Early detection and treatment of the carcinoma are crucial for prognosis here as well.

The symptoms that may indicate a carcinoma vary depending on the type of tumor, location, and stage of the disease. Often, the first signs are rather nonspecific and are initially attributed to other, less serious health problems. However, there are several common symptoms that may indicate the presence of a carcinoma. Here are the most important symptoms often observed in various types of carcinomas:

All these symptoms are not always indicative of a carcinoma but may be signs of a serious condition. If such symptoms persist for an extended period or worsen, you should urgently seek medical examination to determine the exact cause.

Carcinomas develop through uncontrolled cell growth, where cells spread into healthy tissue. This cell malfunction can be caused by a variety of causes and risk factors. These factors range from genetic predispositions and family patterns to environmental factors such as smoking, diet, and UV radiation, to infections with certain viruses. Understanding the causes and risk factors is crucial for taking preventive measures and reducing the risk of cancer.

Genetic predispositions play a crucial role in the development of carcinomas. Hereditary factors can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer because specific genes control and influence cell division and cell growth. Changes or mutations in these genes can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, which can ultimately promote the development of a carcinoma. An increased cancer risk due to genetic factors can be particularly family-related, with inheritance patterns playing a significant role. For example, people whose close relatives have developed cancers such as breast, colon, or ovarian cancer have a higher risk of developing these conditions themselves. However, it’s important to note that genetic predispositions are not solely responsible for the development of carcinomas.

Lifestyle also plays a decisive role in the development of carcinomas, as various factors can significantly increase cancer risk. For example, an unbalanced diet rich in saturated fats and sugar promotes the formation of oxidative stress and can thus increase cancer risk. Oxidative stress, which occurs due to free radicals, can lead to damage to genetic material and thus promote the formation of cancer cells.

Additionally, smoking can significantly increase the risk of many carcinomas, especially lung cancer and cancers in the mouth, throat, and larynx area. Excessive alcohol consumption is also associated with the development of various types of cancer, such as breast, liver, and colon cancer.

UV radiation represents another important lifestyle factor that particularly increases the risk of skin cancer. Long-term unprotected sun exposure or frequent tanning in solariums can lead to skin damage that promotes the development of skin carcinomas.

Besides these rather classical factors, there are also less obvious risk factors that increase cancer risk. Infectious diseases such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is associated with cervical cancer, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus, and Chlamydia can increase the risk of certain cancers. Chronic toxin exposure, such as from environmental pollutants, can also promote the development of carcinomas.

Hidden infections or inflammatory processes can also play a role in carcinoma development. An example is conditions like FDOJ/NICO, which put the body in a chronic inflammatory state.

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D deficiency, are also a significant risk factor. Vitamin D3 has a protective effect on the immune system, but when deficient, the risk of various cancers can be increased.

Overall, lifestyle can increase carcinoma risk not only directly but also indirectly through factors such as oxidative stress, chronic infections, and micronutrient deficiencies. It is therefore crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of cancer.

Various procedures are used in the diagnosis of carcinomas, chosen according to the suspected location and type of tumor. Common methods include imaging procedures, biopsies, and blood tests.

Imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and ultrasound help visualize tumors, determine their size, and detect possible metastases.

Biopsies are performed to microscopically examine tissue samples. This allows for more precise determination of the tumor type and stage. A biopsy is particularly important when a carcinoma, such as lung carcinoma or skin carcinoma, becomes visible in imaging procedures.

Additionally, blood tests can detect tumor markers present in the blood that can serve as indicators for the presence of a carcinoma.

The treatment of carcinomas particularly depends on the type of carcinoma, its stage, and the patient’s general health condition. The goal of therapy is to remove the tumor as completely as possible, stop its growth, and prevent metastases. Therefore, treatment may include a combination of surgical procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.

Conventional therapy for carcinomas typically involves the combination of three main methods: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Holistic approaches to treating carcinomas focus increasingly on strengthening the body and promoting healing. They work supportively alongside conventional therapies.

These holistic approaches play a decisive role alongside conventional medical approaches in treating carcinomas or other cancers. They should always be used in close consultation with the treating physician to optimally support conventional therapy.

The prevention of carcinomas is a central component of modern medicine and oncology. Although there is no guarantee of completely preventing the development of carcinomas, certain measures can significantly reduce the risk. A healthy lifestyle, regular preventive check-ups, and avoiding known risk factors play a decisive role.

In the following, we will explain in detail the most important prevention strategies and preventive measures that can reduce the risk of carcinoma.

A healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in preventing carcinomas. There are numerous measures that can reduce the risk:

Early detection of carcinomas plays a crucial role in prognosis and chances of recovery. Regular preventive screenings can detect cancers at an early and treatable stage. This is particularly important since many carcinomas don’t cause obvious symptoms in early stages, but treatment during these phases is very effective.
Preventive examinations such as mammography, colonoscopy, skin screening, and prostate cancer early detection are significant in detecting carcinomas in time.
Through early detection of carcinomas, appropriate treatment can be initiated more quickly, which significantly improves chances of recovery and enhances patients’ quality of life.

In the following section, we will address your most common questions to help you better understand carcinomas in their development, symptoms, and treatment:

The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.