What is difference between cancer and carcinoma?

Cancer is a broad term that refers to any malignant tumor, regardless of its location in the body. Carcinoma is a specific type of cancer that arises from epithelial cells, which are the cells that line the surfaces of the body, including the skin, the digestive tract, and the respiratory tract.

Carcinomas are the most common type of cancer, accounting for about 90% of all cases. This is because epithelial cells are constantly dividing and renewing themselves, which makes them more susceptible to damage and mutation.

Some common types of carcinomas include:

* Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer, and it arises from the basal cells, which are the lowest layer of cells in the epidermis.

* Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of skin cancer arises from the squamous cells, which are the middle layer of cells in the epidermis.

* Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer arises from glandular cells, which are cells that produce and secrete substances such as mucus, sweat, and saliva. Adenocarcinomas can occur in many parts of the body, including the lungs, the breast, the colon, and the prostate.

Cancer and carcinoma are both serious diseases, but they are not the same thing. Cancer is a more general term that refers to any malignant tumor, while carcinoma is a specific type of cancer that arises from epithelial cells.