Our body consists of four types of tissue and one of which is epithelial tissue. The whole surface of our body is covered by this tissue. The epithelial tissue contains numerous cells in one or more layers and these cells are arranged very close to each other and there is very miniscule intercellular space between them. It plays a very important role in lining the major organs and cavities of our body. The main function of the epithelial tissue is to provide protection and serves a defense against microorganisms, injury and loss of fluids. When the epithelial cells wear out on its own, it is replaced by new epithelial cells. Since it is considered as the first line of defense, it quite susceptible to potential threats.
Epithelial cells are found all over our body. Since it can be easily attacked by foreign substances, there is a possibility of developing cancers and since it has the ability to replicate quickly, the cancerous cells can spread easily to the adjoining cells. Dr. Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D (also cancer advisor) once quoted that ‘Epithelial cancer is another name for carcinoma, the kind of cancer that affects any tissue covering bodily surfaces and cavities. This category includes not just stomach cancer, but breast, pancreas, colon, etc. – in other words, about 90 percent of all cancers.’
Carcinoma is cancerous tumors that can occur anywhere in our body. It is also known as epithelial carcinoma since it affects the epithelial tissue that lines all the organs of our body. It is one of the most persistent cancers and it has the ability to spread from one organ to the other. Since epithelial cells are present all throughout our body, epithelial cancer can happen in various places like reproductive system, urinary tract, digestive system and so on.
Epithelial carcinoma can be of various types. Here are they:
- Basal cell carcinoma
When the cells in the uppermost layer of the skin (epidermis) is damaged through continuous exposure to UV rays emitted from the sun, the cells can start growing abnormally and uncontrollably. It is the most widespread form of skin cancer. - Squamous cell carcinoma
It is considered to be the second most common type of skin cancer. It also affects the upper layer of the skin and the most common reason for its occurrence is the UV radiation emitted from the sun. If this type of cancer is detected earlier, it can be treated and it is seldom fatal. - Adenocarcinoma
It usually occurs in the glandular epithelial cells which lines the inner organs. This kind of carcinoma has the ability to produce own secretions and works like a gland. If such a tumor is detected, it should be treated quickly otherwise the patient can die as the tumor can multiply very speedily.
When carcinoma is found, medical professionals usually make efforts to stop the tumor from metastasizing thereby stopping it from spreading to other organs. Even epithelial carcinoma may sound lethal, through surgery, chemotherapy, and drug treatment the cancer can be controlled and recovery can be achieved if and only when the tumor is detected early.
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Tags: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Beginners Guide, Cancer Breast, Cancer Colon, Cancer Pancreas, Cancerous Cells, Cancerous Tumors, cancers, Carcinoma, Cavities, Continuous Exposure, Digestive System, Epithelial Tissue, Intercellular Space, Microorganisms, Pancreas, Ralph W Moss, Reproductive System, Stomach Cancer, Uppermost Layer, Uv Rays