Etymology of the term cancer linked to ancient Greek imagery

The medical term “cancer” originates from the ancient Greek word “karkinos,” meaning crab. This terminology was first utilized by Hippocrates between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE to describe malignant tumors.

Physicians drew parallels between tumors and crabs based on two primary observations: the aggressive way a tumor invades and clings to surrounding tissues, similar to a crab grasping prey, and the physical appearance of advanced tumors, where swollen blood vessels resemble the body and legs of a crab.

As medicine transitioned to the Roman era, the physician Celsus translated “karkinos” into the Latin “cancer.” Later, in the 2nd century CE, Galen used the term “karkinoma” to describe budding tumors. Modern medicine notes that this ancient metaphor remains relevant due to the uncontrolled cell division and metastatic capabilities of cancer cells.