Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that begins in the mucous glands of organs such as the lungs, colon, or breasts. It is the most common form of colon and lung cancer and can also metastasize (spread) to other parts of your body, such as your brain, skull base, or liver.
UPMC experts provide comprehensive care for all types of adenocarcinoma using the latest medical, radiation, and surgical oncology treatment options.
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What is Adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that begins in the mucous glands of organs such as the lungs, colon, or even breasts. It is the most common form of colon and lung cancer and can also metastasize (spread) to other parts of your body, such as your brain, skull base, or liver.
What are the types of adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma can occur in different areas of your body, including your:
- Breasts.
- Colon.
- Esophagus.
- Lungs.
- Pancreas.
- Prostate.
- Rectum.
- Stomach.
What are the stages of adenocarcinoma?
Stages of adenocarcinoma cancer include:
- Stage 0 — Also called adenocarcinoma in situ, it occurs when cancer cells haven’t spread beyond the organ where the cancer started.
- Stage 1 — Cancer cells are found in some surrounding tissue, but are not detected in lymph nodes or other organs.
- Stage 2 — Cancer cells are found in surrounding tissue and possibly nearby lymph nodes, but are not detected in other organs.
- Stage 3 — Cancer cells are found in surrounding tissue, nearby lymph nodes, and lymph nodes that are farther away from the organ where the cancer started.
- Stage 4 — Also called metastatic adenocarcinoma, cancer cells are found in other parts of your body.
How common is adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of cancer affecting your organs. It accounts for 40% of all lung cancers, and a majority of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers.
What is the most common site of adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma most commonly affects the lungs and colon/rectum.
What causes adenocarcinoma?
Researchers aren’t sure what causes adenocarcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma risk factors
Risk factors for developing adenocarcinoma may include:
- Alcohol use.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Exposure to toxins.
- Family history.
- Previous radiation therapy.
- Tobacco use.
Complications of adenocarcinoma
Complications of adenocarcinoma depend on where the cancer is located and may include:
- Bleeding.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Pain.
- Vomiting.
How can I prevent adenocarcinoma?
You may be able to reduce your risk of developing adenocarcinoma by:
- Eating a balanced diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Quitting smoking or vaping.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma?
The signs and symptoms of adenocarcinoma vary depending on the area of your body that is affected. Pain in the affected area is a common symptom.
Other symptoms may include:
Brain or skull base symptoms
- Headaches.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Personality changes.
- Seizures.
- Speech, vision, or memory problems.
- Weakness or loss of sensation in the arms and/or legs.
Breast symptoms
- Change in breast shape or size.
- Nipple discharge.
- Skin changes on your breast.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Bloating.
- Blood in your stool.
- Chest pain.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Feeling full after eating a small amount.
- Indigestion or heartburn.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Unexplained weight loss or gain.
Lung symptoms
- Chest pain.
- Coughing.
- Hoarse voice.
- Shortness of breath.
- Wheezing.
When should I see a doctor about my adenocarcinoma symptoms?
If you have symptoms of adenocarcinoma, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. Early diagnosis may increase your chances of successful treatment.
How Do You Diagnose Adenocarcinoma?
If your doctor suspects adenocarcinoma, they will ask about your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order tests.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects adenocarcinoma, they will:
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Perform a physical exam.
- Order other tests.
- Review your health history and medications.
Tests to diagnose adenocarcinoma
Tests to diagnose adenocarcinoma may include:
- Biopsy — A procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue for examination in a lab.
- Blood tests — Check for signs of cancer or problems with organ function.
- CT scan — A test that uses a series of x-rays to create images of your body's organs, bones, and tissues.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — A test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to pinpoint where the tumor is and help doctors determine the size.
Adenocarcinoma prognosis
Your prognosis after an adenocarcinoma diagnosis depends on the size, stage, and location of your tumor. Your doctor will discuss your prognosis with you.
How Do You Treat Adenocarcinoma?
Treatment for adenocarcinoma depends on the size, location, and stage of your tumor. Your care team will meet to review your case and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment options may include:
Surgery
Your care team may recommend surgically removing your tumor. UPMC surgical oncologists are experts in minimally invasive techniques to remove tumors through smaller incisions or natural openings in your body, such as your nose or mouth.
Medical oncology
Medical oncology involves using different types of anti-cancer medications to treat cancer.
Medical oncology treatments may include:
- Chemotherapy — Uses medications that travel through your bloodstream to kill cancer cells throughout your body.
- Hormone therapy — Slows or stops cancer growth by preventing hormones from attaching to cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy — Uses medications to boost your immune system’s ability to identify and kill cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy — Works similarly to antibodies produced naturally by your immune system to identify and attack cancer cells.
Medical oncology treatment may be administered before or after surgery, or as a long-term treatment to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Radiation oncology
Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that uses radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy involves using high-energy x-rays to precisely target your tumor. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments to effectively treat cancer.
Why Choose UPMC for Adenocarcinoma Care?
When you choose UPMC for adenocarcinoma care, you will receive:
- Access to board-certified specialists — Our oncology specialists are experienced in caring for people with adenocarcinoma and related complications.
- Expert diagnosis and personalized care — Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of complications and improve your quality of life.
- A full range of treatment options — We use the latest medical, radiation, and surgical oncology approaches to provide comprehensive care.
