Carcinoma, or cancer, is a serious medical condition with an uncontrolled growth of malignant cells that damage the body. The abnormal cells can form on the skin or the different organs in the body. Some of the carcinomas, like adrenocortical carcinoma, can begin early in the patient's life; other carcinomas, like hepatocellular cellular, have a later onset.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a cancer of the liver, and accounts for most of the liver cancer cases, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Hepatocellular carcinoma is more common in men, with the onset between the ages 50 and 60. Most hepatocellular carcinoma cases are caused by cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver. Symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma are abdominal pain, jaundice, an enlarged abdomen, and easy bleeding or bruising.
Pancreatic Carcinoma
Another carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma is a cancer of the pancreas. The pancreas, according to the NIH, is a large organ located behind the stomach; the pancreas releases hormones responsible for food absorption. Pancreatic carcinoma is most common in women, smokers and obese people. Early symptoms of pancreatic carcinoma include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, clay-colored stool, dark urine, jaundice, abdominal pain, and appetite and weight loss. As pancreatic carcinoma progresses, back pain, blood clots, depression, diarrhea, sleeping problems and indigestion can occur.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing form of skin cancer, according to the NIH. A non-melanoma form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma makes up 75 percent of all skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. The skin lesions from basal cell carcinoma may appear as skin bumps, slightly raised or flat; the coloration can be pearly or waxy, white or light pink, or flesh-colored or brown. Other symptoms of basal cell carcinoma are sores that easily bleed, do not heal, ooze or have a sunken area in the middle; irregular blood vessels may also appear around the sores.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma
A cancer of the adrenal glands, adrenocortical carcinoma is common among children younger than 5 years, and adults in their 30's and 40's, according to the NIH. As a result of its location, adrenocortical carcinoma can increase the production of the hormones cortisol, estrogen or aldosterone. Adrenocortical carcinoma symptoms are a buffalo hump, which is a fatty hump below the neck on the patient's back; a moon face, where the patient's face is flushed, rounded and has pudgy cheeks; virilization, where the patient has male characteristics, like excessive facial hair; stunted growth and obesity.
