are carcinomas malignant
Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form on the outside surface of the thymus. The thymus, a small organ that lies in the upper chest under the breastbone, is part of the lymph system. It makes white blood cells, called lymphocytes, that protect the body against infections. Carcinoma is a type of cancer that develops from epithelial cells. Specifically, a carcinoma is a cancer that begins in a tissue that lines the inner or outer surfaces of the body, and that generally arises from cells originating in the endodermal or ectodermal germ layer during embryogenesis. (kär'sə-nō'mə) Plural carcinomas or carcinomata (kär'sə-nō'mə-tə) 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. See also basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (also known as basalioma or basal cell cancer), is the most common skin cancer, and one of the most common cancers in the United States. While BCC has a very low metastatic risk, this tumor can cause significant disfigurement by invading surrounding tissues. Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form on the outside surface of the thymus. Thymoma is linked with myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune diseases. Signs and symptoms of thymoma and thymic carcinoma include a cough and chest pain. So if you see a metastasis of a particular tumor, you can safely say that the original tumor is a malignant one. Note that we said malignant tumors usually (but not always) metastasize. Not all malignant tumors metastasize! Basal cell carcinoma is a great example. Basal cell carcinomas are currently considered to have origin from the folliculo-sebaceous-apocrine germ, also known as trichoblast. The differential diagnosis with trichoblastic carcinoma, a rare malignant form of trichoblastoma, can be challenging. Alternatively, one argument is that basal cell carcinoma is trichoblastic carcinoma. Overexposure to sun leads to the formation of thymine dimers, a form of DNA damage. A. Your question is a great one. First of all, you are correct in saying that basal cell carcinoma is considered malignant, and it is definitely invasive…but it (virtually) never metastasizes. That sure seems incongruous. Carcinomas occur when the DNA of a cell is damaged or altered and the cell begins to grow uncontrollably and become malignant. It is from the Greek καρκίνωμα 'karkinoma' meaning sore, ulcer, or cancer, itself derived from karkinos 'crab'. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm. Cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue..
Yes, carcinomas occur when the DNA of a cell is damaged or altered and the cell begins to grow uncontrollably and become malignant.