Carcinomas
Carcinomas, i.e. malignant tumors, can also develop in epithelia. Here there are different types, which arise from different types of epithelium. They must be distinguished from the so-called adenomas, which are benign tumors of glands of the epithelium.
Papillomas are also benign epithelial growths.A carcinoma can develop from squamous epithelium, then one speaks of a squamous cell carcinoma. This is a malignant degeneration that can occur in both cornified and non-cornified squamous epithelium. Consequently, these carcinomas can occur in many parts of the body.
Cornified squamous cell carcinomas of the skin can be triggered by radiation from the sun or X-rays. Squamous cell carcinomas of the squamous epithelium occur particularly in the esophagus (see esophageal cancer), the tongue (see tongue cancer), the cervix (see cervical cancer) or the urethra. Squamous cell carcinomas can be treated surgically or with radiation or chemotherapy, depending on their occurrence.
The epithelial type of the urothelium (transitional epithelium) can also show a carcinoma. The urothelium lines the laxative urinary tract. Accordingly, urothelial carcinomas can occur in the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder or urethra.
In over 90% of cases, however, the bladder is affected. Urothelial carcinomas often metastasize, i.e. form daughter tumors.