Epithelioma, << `ehp` uh `thee` lee OH muh, >> is any tumor of the epithelium, the tissue that lines the body cavities and covers the body surface and the internal organs. These tumors may be either benign or malignant. However, most doctors use the term epithelioma to denote basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer. Such a cancer often begins as a small sore that will not heal. But sometimes it will seem to heal over, and then reappear. These tumors may be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, X rays, or by materials containing tars or arsenic. Unlike most cancers, malignant epitheliomas usually do not spread to other parts of the body. They can be cured by surgery.
