adenocarcinoma
Pronunciation: ad-en-oh-kar-sin-OH-mah
A type of cancer that forms in mucus-secreting glands throughout the body.
Full Definition
Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor originating from glandular epithelial cells that produce mucus or other secretions. This cancer type commonly affects organs such as the lungs, breast, colon, prostate, and pancreas. Adenocarcinomas are characterized by their glandular architecture and secretory function, which distinguishes them from other carcinoma types. The term is crucial in pathology reports as it influences treatment decisions and prognosis. In medical oncology documentation, precise identification of adenocarcinoma subtype is essential for targeted therapy selection.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the organ of origin when used in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The pathology report confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma with TTF-1 positivity." — Pathology report
- "Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma often present with advanced disease." — Clinical documentation