Although adenocarcinoma is frequently linked to lung cancer, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines adenocarcinoma as cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have gland-like (secretory) properties. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America these organs include the lungs, breasts, colon, prostate, stomach, pancreas, and cervix.
Types of Adenocarcinoma
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges four categories of adenocarcinoma. They include acinar (rare salivary gland cancer), papillary (one of several types of sinus) bronchioloalveolar (a relatively uncommon lung cancer). The NIH says bronchioloalveolar a subset of adenocarcinoma )
A fourth type of adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma (carcinomas that are comprised of at least sixty percent mucus) is very aggressive cancer that accounts for approximately 12 percent of all adenocarcinomas.
Adenocarcinoma of the Lungs
The Mayo Clinic says adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer. It typically develops on the external surface of the lung (periphery) and may move into the lymph glands in the lung, the bloodstream and other organs. The American Cancer Society says studies have shown smoking to be the major cause of adenocarcinoma of the lungs.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms associated with adenocarcinoma cancer can vary significantly, depending on the glandular tissue and internal organs that are affected. Some general symptoms that may occur wherever the malignancy has developed include any type of abnormal bleeding, pain or discomfort that slowly and steadily intensifies. Patients may also experience fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Treatment
Adenocarcinoma treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Your doctor may use one method or a combination of methods, depending on the type and location of the cancer, whether the disease has spread, your age and general health, as well as other considerations.
Prognosis
The outlook for adenocarcinoma patients will vary depending on the location and stage of the malignancy. For example, the College of American Pathologists says overall, less than 10 percent of people with primary adenocarcinoma lung cancer survive five years after diagnosis. However when caught and treated in its earliest stage, survival rates over that period of time can be as high as 40 percent.
The NCI says more than 95 percent pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas. The overall 5-year relative survival rate was 5.5 percent
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