Definition

A type of cancer that starts in the cells of the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. It can spread to other parts of the body.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with carcinoma after the biopsy results came back.

Conversation

Did you hear about Sarah's diagnosis?

Yeah, I heard she has a type of carcinoma that they need to treat.

That sounds really serious; I hope she gets better soon.

Me too! It's tough to see someone go through such a battle.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Carcinoma is formed from "carcino-" (from Greek "karkinos", meaning crab) and "-oma" (from Greek "oma", meaning tumor or swelling). The term originally referred to a tumor that resembles the shape of a crab, reflecting the way some cancers spread in a manner reminiscent of a crab's claws.

Memory Tip

Imagine a crab ('carcino-') with its claws spreading out, which helps you remember that carcinoma refers to a type of tumor.

Visually Confused Words