Metaplastic carcinoma
Encyclopedia
Metaplastic carcinoma is a general term used to describe cancer
that begins in cells
that have changed into another cell type (for example, a squamous cell of the esophagus
changing to resemble a cell of the stomach
). In some cases, metaplastic changes alone may mean there is an increased chance of cancer developing at the site.
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
that begins in cells
Cell (biology)
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos....
that have changed into another cell type (for example, a squamous cell of the esophagus
Esophagus
The esophagus is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. During swallowing, food passes from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus and travels via peristalsis to the stomach...
changing to resemble a cell of the stomach
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular, hollow, dilated part of the alimentary canal which functions as an important organ of the digestive tract in some animals, including vertebrates, echinoderms, insects , and molluscs. It is involved in the second phase of digestion, following mastication .The stomach is...
). In some cases, metaplastic changes alone may mean there is an increased chance of cancer developing at the site.
External links
- Metaplastic carcinoma entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms