Nomenclature of Malignant Tumors

Overview of Malignant Tumors

• Malignant tumors are commonly referred to as cancers.
• They are categorized into carcinomas and sarcomas based on their tissue of origin.

Carcinomas

• Origin: Arise from epithelial cells.
• Examples of carcinomas:
  • Gastric adenocarcinoma: Malignant tumor of the stomach.
  • Renal cell adenocarcinoma: Malignant tumor of glandular tissue in the kidney.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: Malignant tumor exhibiting squamous cellular patterns.

Sarcomas

• Origin: Arise from mesenchymal tissues.
• Common types of sarcomas:
  • Fibrosarcoma: Malignant tumor of fibroblasts.
  • Chondrosarcoma: Malignant tumor of cartilage.
  • Osteosarcoma: Malignant tumor of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells).
  • Leiomyosarcoma: Malignant tumor of smooth muscle.

Distinction Between Benign and Malignant Tumors

• Benign tumors (e.g., Uterus Leiomyoma) are typically non-cancerous formations, while malignant tumors (e.g., Uterus Leiomyosarcoma) exhibit aggressive behavior and can metastasize.

Nomenclature Rules

• Malignant tumors are named based on the origin cell, accompanied by any morphologic characteristics and the appropriate suffix (carcinoma or sarcoma).
• General formula: Name of origin cell + Morphological character + carcinoma/sarcoma.

Key Tissue Types Related to Tumor Origin

• Epithelial cells: Form carcinomas.
• Mesenchymal tissues: Include components such as fibroblasts, blood vessels, muscle, adipocytes, bone, and cartilage; form sarcomas.

This quiz covers the nomenclature of malignant tumors, focusing on the two main categories: carcinomas and sarcomas. You'll learn about their origins, characteristics, and key differences between these types of cancers. Test your knowledge on how to identify and name different types of malignant tumors.