What type of tumor is classified as malignant and arises from connective tissue?

The classification of tumors is based on the type of tissue from which they originate, as well as their behavior. A tumor that is classified as malignant arises from connective tissue is specifically known as a sarcoma.

Sarcomas develop from mesenchymal origins, which include connective tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels. Because they are malignant, these tumors have the potential to grow rapidly and metastasize, which means they can spread to other parts of the body. This distinguishes sarcomas from benign tumors, which are non-cancerous and do not spread.

In contrast, carcinomas are tumors originating from epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of the body, including organs and glands. Melanomas arise specifically from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin, and lymphoma originates from lymphatic tissue. Each of these tumors has distinct characteristics and methods of development, but sarcomas are the specific type that arises from connective tissue and is classified as malignant.