An epithelioma is one of the varieties of tumor formations that develop from cells of a flat or glandular epithelium devoid of any specific function: the epidermis, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, esophagus, urinary tract, uterine cavity, etc. Its development can have a benign and malignant course. Benign epitheliomas include adenoma and papilloma, malignant ones include adenocarcinoma or adenogenic carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma and other cancers.
Causes of epithelioma development
The specific causes of epithelioma are not known to modern medicine. The probability of the formation of a tumor of the epidermis and mucous membranes is increased by such factors as:
prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and frequent visits to the solarium without sunscreen;
skin exposure to high temperatures, chemicals;
exposure to ionizing radiation;
the influence of carcinogens of biological origin (viruses – in particular, herpes, hepatitis B and C, human papilloma);
hormonal disorders;
leukoplakia;
contact with chemical carcinogens (arsenic, creosote, aniline dyes, some types of resins and other compounds).
Frequent contact with the allergen increases the risk of tumor formation, accompanied by the appearance of various morphological elements of the rash.
Hereditary predisposition has a certain significance in the development of epithelioma.
Symptoms
In most cases, in the early stages, epithelial tissue tumors have the appearance of small bumps (papules) that increase in size. They are located on the surface or in the thickness of the skin and on the mucous membranes.
Papillomas look like small spherical mobile, often attached to the skin or mucous membrane by a thin leg of education with a bumpy surface and a soft consistency.
Adenomas have the appearance of nodules or polyps located on the mucous membrane.
Basal cell carcinoma occurs more often in open areas of the skin, resembles a rounded yellowish-brownish or pink spot (plaque), in the center of which a depression can be seen.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin occurs more often in places of its damage – on the surface of scar defects, ulcers, foci of leukoplakia. At an early stage, it has the appearance of a papule, but quickly disintegrates with the formation of an ulcer, which rapidly increases in size.
Melanoma is formed from clusters of melanin – birthmarks. Its first sign may be constant redness, swelling, itching and pain in the area of the birthmark.
When the tumor is localized in the internal organs, its development may remain unnoticed for a long time. As a rule, the first clinical manifestations are functional disorders on the part of the affected organ (for example, cough, hoarseness of voice, difficulty swallowing), pain and such nonspecific symptoms as fever, weight loss, general weakness.
Diagnostics
To detect a tumor of internal organs, the patient is examined using X-ray and endoscopic methods, ultrasound diagnostics, computed tomography. A fragment of the detected tumor is excised for histological analysis, based on the results of which a clinical diagnosis is made.
Treatment
The only method of treatment is removal of the tumor and excision (if necessary) of the surrounding tissues. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also used in the fight against malignant tumors.
