Adenocarcinoma cancer is commonly seen in the lungs, but is actually a glandular tissue cancer found in the internal organs that can affect cells in any tissue of this type. This includes cancer of the stomach, cervix, breast, prostate or pancreas as well as other internal organs.   There is another form of adenocarcinoma cancer which makes up around 12% of this type of cancer, and it is called mucinous adenocarcinoma. This form includes at least 60% of mucous cells and is very aggressive.

When adenocarcinoma develops in the lung’s air sacs, it is called bronchioalveolar adenocarcinoma. About forty percent of all lung cancer cases diagnosed today is adenocarcinoma.  Lung cancer treatments can be very effective if the cancer is in the lungs.

Adenocarcinomas grow slowly, and the spread of the tumour can occur by the lymph nodes located within the lung and thorax.  If spread in the blood stream, it can lead to small deposits of cancerous tumours in the liver, lung, bone or brain.

Symptoms of the cancer can vary significantly depending on the glandular tissue and internal organs affected. Some common symptoms that may be present regardless of where the cancer is located in include unexpected bleeding from any outlet in the body, pain or discomfort that gradually worsens over time or starts out severe, a lump anywhere there should not be one, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.  If occurring in the lungs sufferers may experience coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood.

Smoking cigarettes is one of the main causes of Adenocarcinoma and other types of lung cancer, as well as passive smoking (long term exposure to other smokers in a house or workplace). Although the link between smoking and Adenocarcinoma is weaker than with other types of lung cancer, it is still the most significant cause of it. Exposure to Asbestos and metals like arsenic, chromium and nickel, as well as exposure to radiation, especially Radon gas also increases the risk.

Diagnosis is based on blood tests or imaging tests with CT or PET scans. Treatment of the disease depends on a number of factors including the extent of the cancer in the body and the overall health of the sufferer. Surgery offers the best chance of a cure but is usually only possible in the early stages of the disease when tumours haven’t yet spread. Radiotherapy may also be recommended as well as chemotherapy for patients in an advanced stage of the disease.