Adenocarcinoma: Symptoms, Types, and Treatment Options

Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops from glandular cells, which are cells that produce fluids like mucus or other secretions. These cancers can appear in many parts of the body, including the breast, lungs, esophagus, pancreas, and colon.

Adenocarcinomas belong to a broader group called carcinomas, which are cancers that start in epithelial tissue (the tissue lining organs and surfaces). What makes adenocarcinomas unique is their glandular origin or gland-like characteristics.

Some cancers are technically adenocarcinomas, even if the name doesn’t include the word. For example:

• Invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer, is an adenocarcinoma but is usually referred to by its specific name.
• Esophageal adenocarcinoma, on the other hand, uses the term “adenocarcinoma” to distinguish it from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, another type of esophageal cancer.

Because adenocarcinomas can arise in many different organs, they vary widely in behavior, treatment, and outlook. This diversity makes it hard to make broad general statements about all adenocarcinomas.

Symptoms and Causes of Adenocarcinoma

Symptoms of adenocarcinoma vary widely based on the organ involved, which can make early detection challenging in some cases. Below are the common symptoms for different types of adenocarcinomas:

General Symptoms

Some symptoms are shared across different adenocarcinomas:

• Pain near the affected organ
• Changes in appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Bloating or digestive discomfort
• Blood in bodily fluids, such as urine, stool, or saliva

Types of Adenocarcinomas

Adenocarcinoma can affect many parts of the body, and the symptoms often vary depending on the organ involved. Here are common types and what to look out for.

Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung Adenocarcinoma develops in the lung tissues and is the most common type of lung cancer. Early detection is important as symptoms may appear gradually.
Symptoms:

• Persistent cough, sometimes with blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain, wheezing, hoarseness

Breast Adenocarcinoma

Breast adenocarcinoma originates in the milk ducts or lobules and is often detected on mammograms before symptoms appear. It can also show visible changes in the breast.
Symptoms:

• Change in breast size or shape
• Skin changes like dimpling or discoloration
• Nipple discharge, sometimes bloody

Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

This cancer starts in the colon or rectum and may not cause noticeable symptoms early on. Screening is important for early detection. Ongoing research continues to find better treatment options for colorectal cancer. Eligible participants may consider participating in a colorectal cancer clinical trial to explore potential new treatment options.
Symptoms:

• Blood in stool
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea or constipation

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma usually develops silently and is often diagnosed in later stages. Early signs are subtle but may include digestive issues.
Symptoms:

• Abdominal or back pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Floating stools
• Unexplained weight loss

Prostate Adenocarcinoma

Prostate adenocarcinoma affects the prostate gland and often shows no early symptoms. Advanced disease can affect urinary and sexual function.
Symptoms:

• Difficulty urinating or frequent urination
• Erectile dysfunction

Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Esophageal adenocarcinoma develops in the lining of the esophagus and can affect swallowing and digestion.
Symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Coughing, hoarseness, chest pressure

Gastric (Stomach) Adenocarcinoma

This cancer arises in the stomach lining and often causes digestive discomfort before it is detected.
Symptoms:

• Feeling full after small meals
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea and indigestion

What Causes Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma can develop in many different parts of the body, so the causes and risk factors can vary. However, several common factors can increase the likelihood of developing this type of cancer:

• Genetics: A family history of certain cancers can make an individual more susceptible.
• Smoking: Smoking is a major cause of lung adenocarcinoma. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can increase risk.
• Obesity: Carrying excess body weight is linked to a higher risk of some cancers.
• Lifestyle: Diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and other habits can influence cancer risk, especially in people with genetic predispositions.
• Environmental Exposure: Contact with harmful chemicals or toxins in food, water, air, or everyday products can contribute to adenocarcinoma.
• Radiation Exposure: Previous radiation therapy or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can increase the risk of developing this cancer.

Stages of Adenocarcinoma

The stage of adenocarcinoma describes the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Staging depends on the organ affected, so there are no universal stages for all adenocarcinomas.

Cancer stages usually range from 0 to 4:

• Stage 0: The cancer is very small and confined to its original location.
• Stages 1–3: The tumor grows larger and may begin to spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. At this stage, it is often referred to as metastatic adenocarcinoma.

The meaning of each stage can vary depending on the type of adenocarcinoma, but understanding the stage helps doctors determine the best treatment plan and predict outcomes.

Diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma

Diagnosing adenocarcinoma usually begins with a physical examination. During this exam, a healthcare provider may check for lumps, swelling, or changes in organs that could suggest abnormal growth.

In some cases, adenocarcinoma is discovered during routine screening tests, such as mammograms or colonoscopies, before symptoms appear.

To confirm a diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease, doctors may use the following tests:

• Blood Tests: Blood work can reveal signs that suggest cancer, such as anemia caused by internal bleeding. Certain substances produced by cancer cells may also appear at higher levels.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging help doctors detect abnormal tissue inside the body. Common tests include CT scans and MRI scans, which provide detailed images of organs and tissues. These tests are also used to monitor how well the treatment is working after diagnosis.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm adenocarcinoma. A small tissue sample is taken from the suspected area and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This test confirms whether cancer cells are present and provides information about how advanced the cancer may be.

Adenocarcinoma Treatment

Treatment for adenocarcinoma depends on the type of cancer and its stage. Doctors often use a combination of approaches to target the disease effectively.

• Surgery: The most common first step is to remove the tumor along with surrounding tissue. After surgery, the tissue is examined to determine if any cancer cells remain. Additional treatments may be recommended to ensure the cancer is completely eliminated.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy X-rays or other types of radiation are used to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, slow their growth, or potentially cure the disease. These drugs can also affect healthy cells, which may lead to side effects.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the immune system fight cancer more effectively. It may include drugs that enhance immune responses or modified immune cells from the patient that are reinjected to attack cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs focus specifically on cancer cells while sparing most healthy cells. Not all adenocarcinomas can be treated this way, but when applicable, this approach can reduce side effects and improve outcomes.

The Role of Clinical Trials in Improving Cancer Outcomes

Clinical research studies in Nebraska support the development of potential new cancer treatments. These studies help evaluate emerging therapies and improve existing standards of treatment. One example includes gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma clinical trials, which focus on cancers affecting the area between the esophagus and stomach. This trial is exploring an investigational therapy to determine whether it may provide benefits beyond existing treatment approaches for patients diagnosed with GEJ cancer. Participation offers patients the opportunity to contribute to research while receiving specialized medical care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adenocarcinoma is a complex cancer that can develop in different organs, with symptoms, causes, and treatment varying by type and stage. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial for better outcomes. Advances in research and medical therapies continue to improve survival rates and provide hope for patients facing this disease.