This review highlights the emerging functional roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human carcinomas. LncRNAs, which are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides, have been increasingly recognized for their potential roles in both oncogenic and tumor suppressive pathways. Despite their frequent aberrant expression in various cancers, the biological functions of most lncRNAs remain unknown. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these RNA species function, providing insights into their roles in tumorigenesis. The review discusses the classification and discovery of lncRNAs, their involvement in imprinted genes, metastasis, and tumor suppression, as well as their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. It also explores the role of lncRNAs in cancer-specific expression patterns and the utility of lncRNAs in diagnostics and therapies. The authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the functional roles of lncRNAs in cancer and their potential as therapeutic interventions.This review highlights the emerging functional roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human carcinomas. LncRNAs, which are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides, have been increasingly recognized for their potential roles in both oncogenic and tumor suppressive pathways. Despite their frequent aberrant expression in various cancers, the biological functions of most lncRNAs remain unknown. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these RNA species function, providing insights into their roles in tumorigenesis. The review discusses the classification and discovery of lncRNAs, their involvement in imprinted genes, metastasis, and tumor suppression, as well as their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. It also explores the role of lncRNAs in cancer-specific expression patterns and the utility of lncRNAs in diagnostics and therapies. The authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the functional roles of lncRNAs in cancer and their potential as therapeutic interventions.