Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Adenocarcinoma
Introduction
Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox
Overview
Overview
Adenocarcinoma is a form of carcinoma that originates in glandular tissue. To be classified as adenocarcinoma, the cells do not necessarily need to be part of a gland, as long as they have secretory properties. This form of carcinoma can occur in some higher mammals, including humans.[1] The term adenocarcinoma is derived from ‘adeno’ meaning ‘pertaining to a gland’ and ‘carcinoma‘, which describes a cancer that has developed in the epithelial cells. It can first present as an adenoma (a glandular tumor that is benign).
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Examples of tissues where adenocarcinomas may arise:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer (99% of pancreatic cancers are ductal adenocarcinomas [2])
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal cancer
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
Adenocarcinoma-In The Submandibular Salivary Glands
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Adenocarcinoma-In The Submandibular Salivary Glands
Adapted from Dermatology Atlas -
Adenocarcinoma-In The Submandibular Salivary Glands
Adapted from Dermatology Atlas -
Adenocarcinoma-In The Submandibular Salivary Glands
Adapted from Dermatology Atlas
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
| Diseases | Risk factors/Epidemiology | History | Clinical Findings | Gross Pathology | Histopathology | Immunohistochemistry | Lab Findings | Imaging | Metastatic Potential | Gold Standard | Additional Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head & Neck Cancer | |||||||||||
| Paranasal Sinus Cancer | |||||||||||
| Lung Cancer | |||||||||||
| Breast Cancer | |||||||||||
| Esophageal Cancer | |||||||||||
| Diseases | Risk factors/Epidemiology | History | Clinical Findings | Gross Pathology | Histopathology | Immunohistochemistry | Lab Findings | Imaging | Metastatic Potential | Gold Standard | Additional Findings |
| Gastric Cancer | |||||||||||
| Pancreatic Cancer | |||||||||||
| Small Bowel Cancer | |||||||||||
| Colorectal Cancer | |||||||||||
| Appendix Cancer | |||||||||||
| Diseases | Risk factors/Epidemiology | History | Clinical Findings | Gross Pathology | Histopathology | Immunohistochemistry | Lab Findings | Imaging | Metastatic Potential | Gold Standard | Additional Findings |
| Gallbladder Cancer | |||||||||||
| Anal Cancer | |||||||||||
| Cervical Cancer | |||||||||||
| Vaginal Cancer | |||||||||||
| Endometrial Cancer | |||||||||||
| Vulvar Cancer | |||||||||||
| Diseases | Risk factors/Epidemiology | History | Clinical Findings | Gross Pathology | Histopathology | Immunohistochemistry | Lab Findings | Imaging | Metastatic Potential | Gold Standard | Additional Findings |
| Prostate Cancer | |||||||||||
| Testicular Cancer | |||||||||||
| Urinary Bladder Cancer | |||||||||||
| Urethral Cancer | |||||||||||
| Metastatic Cancer | |||||||||||
| Cancer of Unknown Primary |
References
References
- ↑ Fauquier, D.A., Gulland, F.M.D.,(Marine Mammal Center), Haulena, M., Spraker, T., ‘’Biliary adenocarcinoma in a stranded Northern elephant seal (‘’Mirounga angustirortsis’‘)’‘, Journal of Wildlife Diseases 39(3):723-726 (2003)
Editor-In-Chief:
C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]