Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that originates from glandular tissue. The spelling of this word can be tricky, but it can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Adeno- is pronounced as /ædənoʊ/, which sounds like "add-uh-noh". Carcinoma is pronounced as /kɑrsɪnoʊmə/, which sounds like "kar-sin-oh-muh". Together, the word is pronounced as /ædənokɑrsɪnoʊmə/, which sounds like "add-uh-noh-kar-sin-oh-muh". It is important to properly spell and pronounce medical terms to ensure proper communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Adenocarcinoma is a term commonly used in the medical field to refer to a type of cancer that originates from glandular tissue. It is specifically defined as a malignant neoplasm, which means it is a cancerous growth characterized by uncontrolled cell replication and spreading to nearby tissues and organs.
Histologically, adenocarcinoma is identified by the presence of glandular structures within the tumor. These glandular structures are typically found in exocrine glands, which are responsible for producing and releasing substances such as enzymes or hormones through ducts. Adenocarcinomas can arise in various parts of the body, including the colon, breast, lung, pancreas, stomach, prostate, and ovaries.
The development of adenocarcinoma is often accompanied by symptoms such as pain, weight loss, fatigue, and changes in bowel movements. Diagnosis generally involves a combination of imaging techniques, biopsy, and laboratory tests to confirm the presence and stage of the cancer.
Treatment options for adenocarcinoma usually depend on the location and stage of the tumor. Common approaches include surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells, and targeted therapy or immunotherapy to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Overall, adenocarcinoma is a broad term encompassing various types of malignancies arising from glandular tissue, and its specific characteristics can vary depending on the site of origin within the body.
An adenoma exhibiting the characters of malignancy, such as infiltration of the surrounding tissues, recurrence after removal, and metastases.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "adenocarcinoma" has Greek origins. It consists of two parts: "adeno-" and "-carcinoma".
- "Adeno-" comes from the Greek word "aden", which means "gland". The prefix "adeno-" is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to glands.
- "-Carcinoma" comes from the Greek word "karkinoma", which means "cancer" or "a malignant tumor".
Therefore, "adenocarcinoma" literally means "cancer of the gland". The term is used to describe a type of cancer that originates in the glandular tissue.