What is Mucinous Carcinoma? Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

Introduction

As the name suggests, mucinous carcinoma develops in the main cells of the mucus, which is called mucin. While it can develop anywhere in the body, the breast is the most common development area. However, the good news is that this kind of cancer is less aggressive and reacts favorably to available treatments.

What is Mucinous Carcinoma? (Cancer with Mucus)

Mucinous carcinoma is also referred to as colloid carcinoma or mucinous adenocarcinoma.

Let’s break down the term for easy understanding. The term ‘mucinous’ suggests that this cancer type secretes mucus. ‘Adenocarcinoma’ suggests that this cancer originates in the glandular tissue. Combining these terms, mucinous adenocarcinoma is a unique type of invasive cancer in which mucus becomes a major part of the tumor. Moreover, this cancer can develop in the lungs or in the colon or rectum, but it is most commonly found in the breast, thus fungating breast cancer. In breast cases, it is classified as a ductal breast cancer variant. Additionally, the affected cells can produce mucus around 50 times the volume of the tumor.

How Common is Mucinous Carcinoma?

Rarely does mucinous carcinoma occur. About 7% of cases are of breast cancer, making it the most prevalent type. It also takes into consideration:

• Roughly 3% of cases of ovarian cancer.
• Lung cancer: less than 5%.
• 9% or so of rectal cancer cases.
• Less than 10% of cancers of the uterus or endometrium.
• 15% or so of cases are colon cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Mucinous Carcinoma?

The symptoms might differ based on the body part being affected.

Breast Related Symptoms:

If they appear in the breasts, they may exhibit symptoms like:

• Breast or armpit ache.
• Alterations in the size or form of the breasts.
• Discharge from the breasts.
• Dimpling, puckering, or swelling of the skin.

Colon or Rectal Related Symptoms:

If the cancer appears in the colon or rectum, the symptoms might differ:

• Cramps or soreness in the abdomen
• Bleeding in the rectal area or blood in your feces
• Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
• Inexplicable loss of weight
• Weakness

Lung-Related Symptoms:

In the lungs, the carcinoma might cause symptoms like:

• Chronic cough
• Angina (chest pain)
• Headache
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath

Causes of Mucinous Carcinoma

Cancer develops when cells in the body grow or fail to break down abnormally. While the exact cause of cancer remains unclear, several factors can enhance a person’s risk:

• Age: The likelihood of developing some cancers, like breast cancer, increases with age.
• Environment: Exposure to harmful substances, such as secondhand smoke or toxic chemicals, can elevate risk.
• Family History: A family history of cancer may increase your chances of being affected.
• Genetics: Genetic mutations or changes in certain genes can contribute to a higher cancer risk.
• Lifestyle: Finally, factors such as alcohol consumption, a diet low in fiber, and limited physical activity can also increase the risk of certain cancers.

Risk Factors for Mucinous Carcinoma

Several factors can increase the risk of developing mucinous carcinoma. These include:

• Age and Gender: Postmenopausal women are more prone to this type of cancer.
• Genetics: A family history of cancer with mucus-producing cells may increase the risk.
• Lifestyle: Poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise can contribute to risk.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to carcinogens also plays a role.

Additionally, it is necessary to understand the risk factors in detail to take preventive steps to lower their chances of developing this cancer.

Diagnosis of Mucinous Carcinoma

Doctors use multiple tests to confirm mucinous carcinoma. For diagnosis purposes, a biopsy remains the gold standard, allowing for microscopic examination of cancerous tissue. Imaging tests like mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds help detect rare breast lumps or secondary breast cancer.

Moreover, when cancer involves other organs like the colon, endoscopy or CT scans are used. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful therapy.

Treatment Options for Mucinous Carcinoma

The treatment for mucinous carcinoma depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Cancer staging provides critical insights into the extent of the disease:

• Stages I, II, and III: These indicate that the cancer is localized to one area, with higher stages reflecting greater spread to nearby tissues.
• Stage IV: Moreover, this stage means the cancer has metastasized, spreading to distant parts of the body, i.e., metaplastic breast cancer.

Moreover, mucinous carcinoma is typically less aggressive compared to other cancer types. Oncologists may recommend a combination of the following treatments:

• Hormone Therapy: Often used for breast mucinous carcinoma, this therapy lowers estrogen levels to inhibit cancer growth.
• Surgery: Additionally, removes cancerous tissue and is a primary treatment option.
• Chemotherapy: Uses medications to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
• Radiation Therapy: Targets and kills or slows the growth of cancer cells in specific areas.
• Targeted Therapy: Furthermore, employs drugs designed to attack particular components of cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Moreover, boosts the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy cancer cells.

The physician can tailor each treatment plan to the patient’s needs to achieve the best possible outcome. Additionally, there are breast cancer clinical trials available to help combat this disease and find a better cure option. Your participation can help advance innovative research and find a potent cure.

How Serious is Mucinous Carcinoma?

Another fundamental question is how serious mucinous carcinoma is.

Mucinous carcinoma is generally considered less aggressive than other cancer types, but its seriousness depends on factors such as the stage, location, and overall health of the patient. Moreover, if the physician detects it early, it often has a favorable prognosis, especially in cases where the cancer is confined to one area (Stages I-III).

However, advanced stages, such as Stage IV, where the cancer has metastasized to distant organs, pose significant challenges and require more intensive treatment. Additionally, while it tends to grow slower, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to managing the condition effectively and improving the chances of a positive outcome.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

Reducing the risk of mucinous carcinoma involves simple yet effective steps:

• Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise and a balanced diet lower cancer risk.
• Regular Screenings: Mammograms and colonoscopies help detect cancer early.
• Genetic Counseling: Finally, those with a family history should consider genetic testing.

Additionally, prevention not only reduces the risk of mucinous carcinoma but also improves overall well-being.

Also Read: Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast: Symptoms & Treatment Guide