Abstract: A method for selectively growing epithelial cells or carcinoma cells in vitro without fibroblast overgrowth comprises (a) suspending a cell pellet comprising digested epithelial or carcinoma cells in a first growth medium, the medium comprising D-valine MEM, methyl cellulose, fetal serum, glutamine and an antibiotic; wherein the methyl cellulose is present in the medium at a concentration sufficient to inhibit growth of fibroblast cells present in the cell pellet; (b) adding the suspension to a cell culture vessel comprising an inner surface which has been at least partially coated with an attachment medium comprising a protein extract, D-valine MEM, glutamine and an antibiotic; and (c) incubating the suspension in the coated vessel to allow selective growth of the epithelial cells or carcinoma cells.