Adenocarcinomas
Definition
Adenocarcinomas are malignant tumors that originate in glandular epithelial tissue. They are a common form of cancer found in organs such as the lungs, colon, and breast.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Adenocarcinomas account for a significant percentage of lung and colorectal cancers.
- They often develop in mucus-secreting glands throughout the body.
- Treatment strategies may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies depending on the stage and location of the tumor.
- Early detection improves prognosis significantly, making screening crucial for at-risk populations.
- Mutations in genes such as KRAS, EGFR, and ALK are commonly associated with adenocarcinomas and can influence treatment options.
Review Questions
- What types of tissues do adenocarcinomas originate from?
- Which organs are commonly affected by adenocarcinomas?
- How do genetic mutations like KRAS and EGFR influence the treatment of adenocarcinomas?
"Adenocarcinomas" appears in:
Related terms
Carcinoma: A type of cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
Metastasis: The process by which cancer cells spread from the place where they first formed to another part of the body.
Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells by stopping their ability to grow and divide.
