Acinous cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the acini, or small sacs, of the body. The spelling of this word is pronounced as /əˈsaɪnəs ˈkænsər/. The first syllable is pronounced as "uh," followed by "SIGH-nuhs," with the stress on the second syllable. The final syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound followed by "n-s-r." This spelling can be confusing for those who are not familiar with medical terminology, but it is important to understand for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Acinous cancer, also known as acinar cell carcinoma, is a specific type of malignant tumor that occurs in the exocrine glands of various organs in the body. The term "acinous" refers to the structure of the acini, which are small, rounded sacs or pockets found within the exocrine glands.
Acinar cell carcinoma primarily affects the pancreas, but it can also occur in other organs such as the salivary glands, lacrimal glands, and mammary glands. It is a rare form of cancer, accounting for a small percentage of malignancies in the affected organs.
Acinous cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of abnormal acinar cells within the affected gland. These cells possess the ability to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), making it a highly aggressive form of cancer.
Common symptoms of acinous cancer may include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, and digestive issues due to pancreatic involvement. Diagnosis often involves imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with biopsies to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Treatment options for acinous cancer depend on various factors, including the size and location of the tumor, as well as the individual's overall health. Surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination. Prognosis varies, but early detection and intervention tend to improve outcomes.
C. arising from the epithelium of the acini of the breast.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "acinous cancer" is derived from the combination of two main components: "acinous" and "cancer".
1. Acinous: The word "acinous" comes from the Latin word "acinus", which means "grape". In anatomy and histology, it is used to describe structures or glands that resemble a cluster of grapes. In the case of "acinous cancer", it refers to cancer that originates from the acini cells.
2. Cancer: The term "cancer" originates from the Latin word "cancer", which means "crab". This term was used by the ancient Greeks to describe tumors due to their crab-like appearance, as tumors sometimes have protruding extensions resembling a crab's legs. "Cancer" refers to an abnormal growth of cells that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.