Adenocarcinomas
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in the epithelial tissue of glandular organs, characterized by the formation of tumors from mutated glandular cells. It is the most common form of lung cancer but can also develop in various other organs, including the breast, colon, kidney, pancreas, esophagus, prostate, and stomach. The classification of adenocarcinoma typically depends on the specific tissue type or the particular product of the cells, such as mucinous adenocarcinoma. Symptoms can vary widely, with some small tumors causing mild or undetectable signs, while larger tumors may present noticeable lumps, pain, or discomfort. Diagnosis often involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, lab tests, and imaging techniques. Treatment options differ based on the adenocarcinoma type and disease progression, ranging from surgery and chemotherapy to newer approaches like immunotherapy. Risk factors include smoking, age, family history, and certain lifestyle choices. Early detection through routine screenings and lifestyle modifications is crucial, as untreated adenocarcinoma can be fatal.
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Subject Terms
Adenocarcinomas
ALSO KNOWN AS: Malignant adenomas, other names vary by type
RELATED CONDITIONS:Lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, renal cell carcinomas, prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer
DEFINITION: Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in the epithelial tissue of glandular (secretory) organs. Although it is commonly associated with lung cancer (and is the most common form of lung cancer), adenocarcinoma can also develop in such organs as the breast, colon, kidney, liver, pancreas, esophagus, prostate, and stomach. It is classified according to the kind of tissue from which it arose (such as lung or breast) or according to a particular product of the cells (such as mucinous adenocarcinoma). Adenocarcinoma can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and also destroy surrounding tissues.
Risk factors: Smoking increases the risk of almost every type of cancer. Other risk factors for adenocarcinoma vary by organ site. Age, race, family history, medication use, and lifestyle factors such as diet have been implicated in certain forms of adenocarcinoma.
Etiology and the disease process: Etiology of and the disease process for adenocarcinoma vary with the organ involved, but generally, adenocarcinoma occurs when cancerous tumors form from glandular cell mutation in organ lining. Adenocarcinoma can eventually spread to healthy organ tissue. The adenocarcinoma tumors often resemble thick, white plaque or membrane surrounding the organ.
Incidence: Incidence of adenocarcinoma varies by type. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung, pancreatic, prostate, and stomach cancer according to the National Library of Medicine in 2024.
Symptoms: Symptoms of adenocarcinoma vary by type. Small adenocarcinomas may produce only mild symptoms that go undetected. Large adenocarcinomas produce more noticeable symptoms that vary depending on the site of involvement. The first signs of adenocarcinoma may be a noticeable lump, pain, or discomfort.
Screening and diagnosis: Diagnosis of adenocarcinoma begins with a medical history and physical examination. Lab work should be completed and likely includes blood counts, a comprehensive metabolic panel, and urinalysis. Any lumps found are commonly biopsied, and specialized imaging techniques, such as x-rays and computed (CT) scans, are used to determine the extent of the disease (staging). Staging of adenocarcinoma varies by type.
Treatment and therapy: Specific treatment protocols vary by adenocarcinoma type and other factors, such as overall patient health and extent of the disease.
Conventional treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early-stage, localized disease may be treated by surgery alone (surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue) or surgery with adjuvant or radiation therapy. Advanced adenocarcinoma has no cure.
Emerging treatments for adenocarcinoma include hormone therapy, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy which targets specific proteins on the surfaces of cancer cells.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: Without treatment, adenocarcinoma is fatal. Routine physical examinations and avoidance of risk factors, such as smoking, are keys to early detection and prevention.
Bibliography
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