carcinoma

noun

car·​ci·​no·​ma ˌkär-sə-ˈnō-mə 

plural carcinomas also carcinomata ˌkär-sə-ˈnō-mə-tə 

: a malignant tumor of epithelial origin

carcinomatous

ˌkär-sə-ˈnō-mə-təs 

adjective

Examples of carcinoma in a Sentence

four deaths attributable to carcinoma

Recent Examples on the Web

Doctors are warning patients who have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 not to take the medication due to possible complications. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024

In recent years, many researchers have been focused on DCIS: ductal carcinoma in situ, the earliest stage of cancer that in most cases remains in the milk ducts and does not invade other tissues. —Alice Park, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024

Danielle Fishel was diagnosed earlier this year with DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ, a form of early-stage breast cancer. —Tracy Wright, Fox News, 17 Oct. 2024

Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the squamous cells (cells that line the inside of the bladder). —Steffini Stalos, Health, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek karkinōma cancer, from karkinos

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carcinoma

• squamous cell carcinoma

Kids Definition

carcinoma

noun

car·​ci·​no·​ma ˌkärs-ᵊn-ˈō-mə 

plural carcinomas or carcinomata -mət-ə 

: a tumor that consists of epithelial cells and is often fatal if not treated

Medical Definition

carcinoma

noun

car·​ci·​no·​ma ˌkärs-ᵊn-ˈō-mə 

plural carcinomas also carcinomata -mət-ə 

: a malignant tumor of epithelial origin compare sarcoma

carcinomatous

-ˈō-mət-əs 

adjective