Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
adenocarcinoma
Pronunciation: ad-uh-noh-kar-suh-NOH-muh
The most common type of non-small cell lung cancer, arising from mucus-producing glandular cells.
Full Definition
Adenocarcinoma represents approximately 40% of all lung cancers and is the predominant histological subtype in never-smokers. It typically develops in the peripheral areas of the lungs and has distinct molecular characteristics that influence treatment decisions. The term is often abbreviated as ADC in clinical documentation and pathology reports.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence. Distinguish from adenosquamous carcinoma which has both glandular and squamous components.
In Context
- "The biopsy confirmed invasive adenocarcinoma with lepidic predominant pattern." — Pathology report
- "EGFR mutation testing is standard for patients with advanced adenocarcinoma." — Treatment protocol
Also known as
ADC
glandular carcinoma
Contrasted with
squamous cell carcinoma
small cell lung cancer
Don't confuse with
adenosquamous carcinoma
adenoid cystic carcinoma