What is the medical term for a malignant tumor of epithelial tissue?

Carcinoma refers specifically to a type of cancer that originates in epithelial tissue, which lines the surfaces and cavities of organs throughout the body. Epithelial tissues include skin, glands, and the lining of various organs. Carcinomas can be subcategorized based on the specific type of epithelial cells they arise from, such as squamous cells or glandular cells. This classification is crucial for understanding the nature of the tumor, its behavior, and the appropriate treatment options.

The other terms describe different types of tumors: Sarcoma refers to malignant tumors that arise from connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle. Melanoma specifically refers to a type of cancer that originates from melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin in the skin. Adenoma is benign and refers to a non-cancerous tumor of glandular epithelial tissue. Thus, carcinoma is the most appropriate term for a malignant tumor arising from epithelial tissue.