Carcinomas are a type of cancer that originate in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs (epithelial tissues). A majority (close to 90 %) of cancer are carcinomas.

Carcinomas are divided into two major categories: adenocarcinoma, which develops in an organ or gland, and squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the squamous epithelium.  Adenocarcinomas generally occur in mucus membranes whereas squamous cell carcinomas occur in many areas of the body.

Because epithelial tissue is found throughout the body: in the skin and in the covering or lining of organs and internal passageways, carcinomas are mostly described in organ-specific sections. However, some CRS funded research projects are specific to a type of carcinoma; those types are shortly described below. Please click on the name of the specific type of carcinoma for more info.

Adenocortical carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (head and neck)

Click on the links below for more info on organ-specific carcinomas such as:

Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Liver cancer
Lung
Ovarian cancer
Pancreatic exocrine cancer
Prostate cancer 

References