What is Carcinoma Cancer? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

• Written by Anjali Sharma

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Cancer can occur in various body parts, and those affecting the body lining are known as Carcinoma cancer. It may affect the outer lining of the body, that is, the skin, or the internal lining, which is the tissue lining of internal organs like kidneys or liver. The abnormal cells of carcinomas divide rapidly and uncontrollably. It may or may not spread to other body parts from where it starts.

Not all cancers are carcinoma, as some may develop in other body parts like the brain, bones, spinal cord, etc. Carcinoma cancer is one of the most common types, as it alone makes up 90% of all the prevalent cancers.

What is Carcinoma Cancer?

Carcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the epithelial cells. It is one of the most common forms of cancer and can develop in different parts of the body, like the lungs, breasts, prostate, and colon. 

Carcinoma cancer grows when the abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably, often forming tumours. Early detection and treatment is important for managing it.

What are the Types of Carcinoma?

Depending on the affected body parts, carcinoma cancer can be divided into various parts. Some of the common types of carcinoma include:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
• Renal cell carcinoma
• Invasive ductal carcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma

Let’s discuss all these types in detail here:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cells are present in the skin. These are the cells lining the innermost part of the skin's outer layer. Although it does not usually spread to other body parts, initial treatment is very important for recovery. If delayed, basal cell carcinoma can leave red patches, scars, and bumps on the skin. There are different types of basal cell carcinoma like pigmented, superficial, nonulcerative, morpheaform, and basosquamous carcinoma.

Causes of Basal Cell Carcinoma

The following are the key causes of Basal Cell Carcinoma:

• Exposure to UV rays
• Exposure to arsenic
• Complications due to skin problems, scars, tattoos, burns, vaccinations, etc.
• Chronic inflammatory skin problems.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The middle and outer layers of the skin are made up of squamous cells. Cancer affecting these cells is known as squamous cell skin cancer. Although squamous carcinoma is not life-threatening, if neglected, it can spread to other body parts as well and develop rapidly. 

Causes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The following are being the main causes of Cell Carcinoma:

• Ultraviolet rays`
• Tanning beds and lamps
• Weak immune system
• Extreme sunburns.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Another form of carcinoma is hepatocellular carcinoma, which affects the liver. It develops in the hepatocyte cells of the liver. Initially, the disease may not show evident signs, but gradually, one may experience loss of weight without effort, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, etc. Initial detection and treatment like transplant and surgery may cure the diseases. However, if delayed, it may not be curable, and treatment can help with the longevity of life.

Causes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The exact cause of hepatocellular carcinoma remains unknown. However, there are certain risk factors, like:

• Hepatitis B or C
• Cirrhosis
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Anabolic steroids
• Iron storage diseases in the liver
• Aflatoxin.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early stage of non-invasive breast cancer, characterized by the presence of abnormal cells within the milk ducts, without spreading to surrounding tissues.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). These include a family history of breast cancer, early onset of menstruation, late menopause, having a first child later in life, having dense breast tissue, and specific genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Causes of Ductal carcinoma

The exact cause of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is unknown, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing it:

• Genetics
• Reproductive factors
• Hormonal factors
• Family history
• Age

Renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, accounting for about 90% of all kidney cancer cases. It originates in the lining of the proximal convoluted tubule, which is part of the tiny tubes in the kidney that transport waste molecules from the blood to the urine. RCC is known for its resistance to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, making early detection and surgical removal crucial for treatment.

Causes of Renal cell carcinoma

The exact cause of Renal cell carcinoma is unknown, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing it in the body.

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Genetic factors
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Diet and Lifestyle
• Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease

Invasive ductal carcinoma

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), also known as infiltrating ductal carcinoma, is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 70-80% of all breast cancer cases. IDC begins in the milk ducts of the breast and then invades the surrounding breast tissue. Once it breaks through the duct wall, it can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system and bloodstream, a process known as metastasis.

Causes of Invasive ductal carcinoma

The exact cause of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is not fully understood, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing this type of breast cancer, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Genetic mutations
• Personal History of Breast Cancer
• Hormonal factors
• Reproductive History
• Lifestyle factors
• Radiation exposure

Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in glandular cells. These cells secrete substances like mucus, digestive juices, and other fluids. They are found in various organs, including the lungs, breasts, prostate, pancreas, and colon.

Causes of Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma can be caused by a number of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors, such as:

• Tobacco use
• Genetic Predisposition
• Chronic Inflammation
• Diet and lifestyle
• Infections 

Symptoms of Carcinoma 

Carcinoma symptoms may vary depending on the affected area. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Abnormal or unintended weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Patches, redness, or soreness of the skin
• Bowel problems
• Unknown bleeding or bruising
• Bloating or swelling of the belly
• Pain or discomfort in the upper belly
• Yellow eyes and skin
• Dark urine
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shiny bumps on the skin
• Dark lesions
• Waxy like lesions
• Bleeding sores and patches on the skin.

Is Treatment Available for Carcinoma?

Carcinoma treatment entirely depends on the stage at which it is detected. Early detection is always helpful in the treatment process. Depending on your age, overall health, the stage of the disease, and the harm it has caused so far, the doctor may suggest the course of treatment. Some of the possible carcinoma treatments include:

Surgery

Often, carcinoma that hasn't metastasised (spread to other body parts) can be cured with surgery. Doctors remove the cancer tumours or cells and tissues with surgery. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that is used to shrink or restrict the cancer cells to regrow. Before the surgery, chemotherapy can be used to shrink the cancer cells, and post-surgery, it may be used to restrict cancer cells from forming.  

Radiation treatment

Energy beams like X-rays are used to kill the cancer cells in the targeted areas and prevent further advancements. Usually, along with surgery and chemotherapy, radiation treatment is used. 

Targeted therapy

As the name suggests, targeted therapy uses certain drugs to target the weaknesses of the cancer cells. It attacks the genetic changes of the cancer cells to prevent further mutation of the cells.

Immunotherapy

In Immunotherapy, the treatment helps the immune system in the detection and prevention of cancer cells from causing further harm.  

Hormone therapy

Through hormone therapy, certain sex hormones are reduced in your body, which results in the slow growth of carcinoma. 

To Conclude

Carcinoma cancer begins and develops like other cancers, where cells start to mutate and transform healthy cells into cancerous ones. It keeps mutating at a risky level and can invade other body parts if left untreated. So, make sure to go for routine check-ups regularly to detect early signs and cure the disease completely. Also, remember a healthy lifestyle and a healthy mind can be key to avoid such diseases. 

Additionally, the cost associated with carcinoma cancer treatment can be ignored as well. Starting from detection to recovery, the entire phase involves a huge chunk from your savings if your finances are not well planned with health insurance. While treating a health condition like this, it is essential to back your finances with a critical illness plan that can cover the exorbitant medical expenses. Here comes our Cancer Mediclaim into the picture. Comes under Care Super Mediclaim, with this plan you can be assured of having strong financial support in times of need. It offers comprehensive coverage at different stages of cancer and stays with you throughout your recovery. 

We wish you good health and a happy life!

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.