Comprehensive Overview of Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that begins in glandular cells. Glandular cells produce fluids such as mucus, digestive juices, and hormones.
Adenocarcinoma can develop in many parts of the body including the:
- colon
- lungs
- pancreas
- prostate
- breast
- stomach
Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common types of cancer.
This guide explains what adenocarcinoma is, adenocarcinoma symptoms, how adenocarcinoma develops, and how adenocarcinoma is diagnosed and treated.
This information is educational only and not medical advice.
What Is Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma begins when glandular cells develop DNA changes that allow them to grow uncontrollably and avoid normal cell death.
These abnormal cells multiply and form tumors.
Glandular cells are found in many organs, which is why adenocarcinoma can occur in many parts of the body.
Adenocarcinoma tumors can invade nearby tissue and spread to other organs.
Adenocarcinoma is a classification of cancer, not a single disease.
For example:
- colon cancer is often adenocarcinoma
- lung cancer is often adenocarcinoma
- pancreatic cancer is usually adenocarcinoma
Where Adenocarcinoma Develops
Adenocarcinoma commonly develops in organs that contain glandular tissue.
Colon Adenocarcinoma
Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas.
They develop in the lining of the colon.
These cancers often begin as polyps.
Lung Adenocarcinoma
Lung adenocarcinoma develops in mucus-producing lung cells.
It is the most common type of lung cancer.
It can occur in smokers and non-smokers.
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Most pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas.
They develop in pancreatic ducts.
This is the most common type of pancreatic cancer.
Breast Adenocarcinoma
Most breast cancers are adenocarcinomas.
They develop in ducts or lobules.
Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas.
They develop in gland cells of the prostate.
Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Most stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas.
They develop in the lining of the stomach.
Adenocarcinoma Symptoms
Adenocarcinoma symptoms depend on where the cancer develops.
Early adenocarcinoma may cause no symptoms.
Common adenocarcinoma symptoms include:
- fatigue
- weight loss
- pain
- lumps or masses
- bleeding
Persistent symptoms should be medically evaluated.
Organ-Specific Symptoms
Colon Adenocarcinoma Symptoms
- blood in stool
- bowel habit changes
- abdominal pain
Lung Adenocarcinoma Symptoms
- persistent cough
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Symptoms
- abdominal pain
- jaundice
- weight loss
Breast Adenocarcinoma Symptoms
- breast lumps
- skin changes
- nipple changes
Prostate Adenocarcinoma Symptoms
- urination changes
- weak urine flow
- frequent urination
How Adenocarcinoma Develops
Normal glandular cells:
- grow in a controlled way
- repair damage
- die when needed
Adenocarcinoma cells:
- grow continuously
- avoid cell death
- accumulate mutations
- invade tissue
Tumors may spread through:
- lymphatic system
- bloodstream
Common metastatic sites include:
- liver
- lungs
- bones
Causes and Risk Factors
Adenocarcinoma develops from genetic changes combined with environmental factors.
Risk factors include:
Smoking
Smoking increases risk for lung and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Diet
Low fiber and high processed meat diets increase colon adenocarcinoma risk.
Obesity
Obesity increases risk for several adenocarcinomas.
Age
Risk increases with age.
Chronic Inflammation
Long-term inflammation increases risk.
Examples include:
- inflammatory bowel disease
- chronic pancreatitis
Family History
Some people inherit increased risk.
How Adenocarcinoma Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis may include:
- physical examination
- imaging scans
- blood tests
- biopsy
A biopsy confirms adenocarcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma Treatment
Treatment depends on location and stage.
Surgery
Surgery removes tumors when possible.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation destroys cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targets specific mutations.
Immunotherapy
Helps immune cells attack cancer.
Adenocarcinoma Staging
Stage 1
Cancer confined to original organ.
Stage 2
Cancer has grown locally.
Stage 3
Cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
Stage 4
Cancer has spread to distant organs.
When Symptoms Need Medical Evaluation
Medical evaluation is important if symptoms include:
- unexplained weight loss
- persistent pain
- bleeding
- lumps
- persistent fatigue
Early detection improves outcomes.
Medical References
National Cancer Institute
https://www.cancer.gov
American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org
Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org
