Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Adenocarcinoma is a type of malignant tumor that affects different glands. Depending on the site of occurrence, other symptoms may appear. Where is adenocarcinoma most often located? What is the prognosis of patients with cancer of the gland? We checked as soon as possible to diagnose it.
What is adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that affects the epithelial tissue of various glands. Therefore, it is also called adenocarcinoma and cancer of the glands. The hallmark of this type of cancer is its way of mimicking a healthy body structure. adenocarcinoma it usually attacks the mucous membranes of organs, especially the digestive system organs, breasts, bronchi and reproductive organs. It can also replace mature tissue due to metaplasia. It also happens that malignant tumors develop from benign conditions caused by adenomas.
Types of adenocarcinoma
Due to the location of adenomas, the following types can be listed:
- breast adenocarcinoma;
- pulmonary adenocarcinoma;
- colorectal adenocarcinoma;
- prostate adenocarcinoma;
- endometrial adenocarcinoma;
- ovarian adenocarcinoma;
- pancreatic thyroid adenocarcinoma;
- gastric adenocarcinoma;
- salivary gland adenocarcinoma;
- cervical adenocarcinoma;
- adenocarcinoma of the small intestine;
- bile duct adenocarcinoma.
The causes of adenocarcinoma
Modern medicine has problems diagnosing the direct causes of gland cancer, but there are a number of indirect indications that could lead to the development of a malignant neoplasm. One of the most frequently mentioned are disorders of the endocrine system, especially in women, who develop adenocarcinomas more often than in men. In addition, obesity, smoking, endometriosis and chronic inflammation of the digestive system contribute to the growth of cancer.
Find out what the diagnosis of endometriosis looks like
The most common symptoms of adenocarcinoma
The location of the adenocarcinoma influences its symptoms. In case of malignant tumor of the stomach there is a palpable lump in the upper abdomen accompanied by other ailments (tarry stools, aversion to meat or weight loss). Breast adenocarcinoma it also has characteristic symptoms including nipple discharge, palpable lump, ulceration, or retraction of the nipple. Malignant neoplasm of kidney manifested by haematuria, frequent urination, palpable lump, weight loss and pain in the lumbar region.
How is adenocarcinoma diagnosed?
Adenocarcinoma can be diagnosed in two ways. First, imaging studies should be performed. Among them, there are computed tomography, mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The next step is to perform a histopathological or cytological examination that will confirm the doctor’s diagnosis. For this purpose, the following tests can be carried out:
- fine needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance;
- core needle biopsy;
- taking samples during colonoscopy, gastroscopy or bronchoscopy;
- brush swab;
- curettage of the cervical canal.
What is the treatment of adenocarcinoma?
As with the symptoms and diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, cancer treatment depends on the location and stage of the cancer. The most commonly used are chemotherapy supported by hormone therapy and immunotherapy. Surgery as well as irradiation may also be performed.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.