Carcinoma Types: What They Are, Signs, and Treatment Options

Carcinoma is the most common group of cancers, making up roughly 80 to 90 percent of all cases. These tumors start in epithelial cells — the lining of organs, glands, skin, and body passages. Because epithelial tissue covers so many parts of the body, carcinomas can appear in the breast, lung, colon, prostate, skin, liver, and more.

You can spot different carcinoma types by where they start and how the cells look under a microscope. The main types are:

• Adenocarcinoma: arises from glandular cells that secrete mucus or hormones. Common in the breast, lung, colon, and prostate.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: comes from flat, scale-like cells on surfaces. Often shows up in skin, mouth, throat, and lungs.
• Basal cell carcinoma: a skin cancer that grows slowly and rarely spreads, but still needs treatment.
• Transitional cell carcinoma: affects urinary tract linings, like the bladder.
• Small cell and non‑small cell lung cancers: lung carcinomas grouped by cell size and behavior.

Symptoms vary by site. A breast lump, new skin lesion, coughing blood, blood in urine, persistent change in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss can all be warning signs. Symptoms often overlap with other conditions, so seeing a doctor for persistent or unusual signs is key.

Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and targeted tests: imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound), endoscopy for internal linings, and most importantly a biopsy. Pathology tells the carcinoma subtype, grade, and molecular markers that guide treatment. Staging—how far the cancer has spread—helps predict outcomes and plan therapy.

Treatment depends on type, stage, and patient factors. Surgery removes localized tumors. Radiation targets local disease where surgery isn’t possible or to kill residual cells. Chemotherapy treats cancer that has spread. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy attack specific tumor features and can work when traditional chemo fails. For example, some lung adenocarcinomas respond to drugs that block EGFR or ALK mutations.

Prognosis differs a lot between types and stages. Early detected skin and breast carcinomas often have high cure rates. Advanced or metastatic carcinomas are harder to treat but newer drugs have improved survival for many people.

Preventive steps cut risk. Avoid tobacco, protect skin from sun, maintain a healthy weight, get recommended screenings (mammograms, colonoscopy, low-dose CT for some smokers), and treat pre-cancer conditions when found.

If you notice persistent symptoms or have risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider. Ask which tests are needed and whether your tumor needs molecular testing for targeted options. Early action often makes the biggest difference.

Good questions to ask: What type and stage is my carcinoma? What are treatment goals — cure, control, or symptom relief? Are there clinical trials or genetic tests I should consider? Keep copies of your pathology report and ask for molecular test results. Get a second opinion if surgery or major therapy is recommended.

Support groups and cancer centers can help with practical needs, second opinions, and coping strategies. You don’t have to handle this alone. Act early, ask questions.