Final answer:
Carcinoma is a type of cancer originating in epithelial cells and is characterized by abnormal cell growth which may form a tumor and can spread to other body parts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carcinoma is a term that refers to a type of cancer that originates in the epithelial cells which line the inside and outside surfaces of the body. It includes many common cancers that can occur in various organs and tissues. Carcinoma is characterized by abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These abnormal cells can divide more quickly than normal cells and may form a mass of abnormal cells known as a tumor. Carcinomas are just one group among the more than 100 types of cancer, each with their own characteristics and treatment protocols.