carcinoma

[kahr-suh-noh-muh]

noun

Pathology.

plural

carcinomas, carcinomata 

1. a malignant and invasive epithelial tumor that spreads by metastasis and often recurs after excision; cancer.

carcinoma

/ ˌkɑːsɪˈnəʊmə /

noun

1. any malignant tumour derived from epithelial tissue

2. another name for cancer

carcinoma

plural

carcinomas 

1. Any of various cancerous tumors that are derived from epithelial tissue of the skin, blood vessels, or other organs and that tend to metastasize to other parts of the body.

2. See also basal cell carcinoma squamous cell carcinoma

carcinoma

1. A malignant tumor in the tissues that make up the skin, glands, mucous membranes, and lining of organs.

Other Word Forms

• carcinomatoid adjective
• carcinomatous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of carcinoma¹

1715–25; < Latin: ulcer, tumor < Greek karkínōma; carcino-, -oma

Word History and Origins

Origin of carcinoma¹

C18: from Latin, from Greek karkinōma, from karkinos _cancer

Example Sentences

Though technically classified as a "low grade" skin cancer – a basel cell carcinoma – it had to be surgically removed, leaving the Newcastle mum with a scar just below her eye.

From BBC

Ramsay announced earlier this week that he had basal cell carcinoma removed from his jaw in an Instagram post.

From Salon

The Michelin-starred celebrity chef posted Saturday on Instagram that he was diagnosed with skin cancer and had the basal cell carcinoma removed from the side of his face.

From Los Angeles Times

The NHS says basal cell carcinoma is one of the main types of non-melanoma skin cancer, which can often be easily treated.

From BBC

In her case, a basal cell carcinoma - a type of skin cancer - was diagnosed needing removal.

From BBC

Related Words

• corruption 
• disease 
• malignancy 
• sickness 
• tumor