Carcinoma and sarcoma are two types of cancers that have nothing but the suffix “oma” in common. Oma is a medical term that stands for tumor or cancer. While carcinomas are common types of cancer, sarcomas are a rare kind. This article briefly enlists the differences between both kinds of cancer:
The biggest difference between the two is where the cancer occurs. Carcinomas develop in the epithelial tissues that line the kidneys, liver, lungs, and colon. Sarcomas, on the other hand, develop in the mesenchymal cells present in the bone marrow, muscles, tendons, and other tissues.
Types of carcinomas
The most common types of carcinomas tend to develop on the skin or mucous membranes. Here are some key forms of carcinoma:
- Adenocarcinoma
This type of cancer develops in the mucus-producing glandular cells and affects organs, such as the breasts, intestines, lungs, prostate, and pancreas. - Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cells are present on the outer layer of the skin, and are responsible for producing new skin cells. This type of carcinoma often shows on the skin in the form of translucent bumps. - Squamous cell carcinoma
This form of skin cancer affects the topmost layer of the skin, which is damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays or artificial tanning services. It is the second most common form of skin cancer. - Transitional cell carcinoma
In this condition, the cancer cells attack the urinary system, especially the bladder. In fact, it is known to be one of the most common types of bladder cancer.
Types of sarcomas
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the bones, blood vessels, cartilage, nerves, muscles, fat, joints, tendons, and ligaments. It most commonly affects the abdomen, arms, and legs. Some common types of sarcoma include:
- Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
This rare type of cancer occurs in the soft tissues that hold all the organs together. - Leiomyosarcoma
This tumor is commonly found in the abdomen, but can affect any smooth muscle tissue. - Osteosarcoma
This is a type of bone cancer that usually affects the long bones. In rare cases, it can also occur in tissue that is outside the bones. - Liposarcoma
As the name suggests, this type of sarcoma begins in the fat cells, and commonly affects the limbs or the abdomen.
Risk factors for carcinoma
Carcinoma is a common type of cancer that can affect people of any gender and ethnicity. Some risk factors for carcinoma are:
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Excess exposure to UV rays or tanning beds
- Lack of activity
Risk factors for sarcoma
Sarcoma can be influenced by environmental and medical conditions, and even certain lifestyle habits. Some risk factors for sarcoma include:
- Genetics
- Immune system abnormalities
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Lymphedema
- Radiation therapy
- Continual exposure of x-rays, CT-scans, MRI
