Epithelial carcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the epithelium, which is a tissue that lines the body's organs. It can also simply be called carcinoma, as this particular medical term is used to describe a type of cancer that involves epithelial cells. Through its various incarnations, it is one of the most pervasive cancers out there. Also, it has a tendency to metastasize, which means that cancer can spread from one organ to another.
The cancer form of epithelial carcinoma is commonly associated with the ovaries. This type of ovarian cancer is divided into five types. The most common form is serous epithelial ovarian cancer, so named because it occurs in the serous membrane, which has a layer of epithelial cells. It accounts for approximately 60 percent of all ovarian cancers, which is why the term "ovarian cancer" has become synonymous with malignant tumors of the serous membrane.
Although not as common as serous membrane cancer, mucinous epithelial and endometrioid carcinomas combined account for about 45 percent of all ovarian cancer cases. The first is named after its origin in the mucous membranes, which is covered by epithelium, while the second affects the inner membrane of the uterus. The much rarer forms of epithelial carcinoma that affect the ovaries include clear cell adenocarcinoma, named for the colorless tumors that occur in the glandular tissue; and Brenner tumors, also known as transitional cell epithelial ovarian cancer.
As the various types of cancer related to the ovaries demonstrate, many cases of epithelial carcinoma are specialized in certain areas of the body. For example, clear cell adenocarcinoma is concentrated in the female genital tract, which means that it can occur not only in the ovaries, but also in the cervix, uterus, and vagina. Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is a cancer of the parotid salivary duct, with the most frequent appearance in elderly people. Other localized forms of epithelial carcinoma include acinar adenocarcinoma, which affects the prostate; basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer; and gastric adenocarcinoma, which is a clinical term for stomach cancer.
However, squamous cell carcinoma is notable for occurring in a variety of organs and parts of the body. This includes the esophagus, lips, lungs, skin, and vagina. The disease is named after a form of epithelial layer that has scales called squamous epithelium.
Due to its many forms, the symptoms of epithelial carcinoma vary widely and can include skin lesions, dark urine and diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and decreased appetite. The disease is treatable when diagnosed early. Doctors generally rely on chemotherapy as the main treatment option. In more extreme cases, surgery may be required.