adenocarcinomi

Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that arises from glandular epithelium or exhibits gland-forming differentiation. It is a common histologic type of cancer in many organs and is particularly prevalent in the lungs, colon and rectum, pancreas, breast, stomach, and ovaries. Histologically, adenocarcinomas form gland-like structures or produce mucin, and they can range from well differentiated to poorly differentiated. Diagnosis relies on tissue biopsy with histopathologic examination, and may be supplemented by imaging, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing to determine the tumor’s origin and actionable genetic alterations.

The pattern of molecular alterations varies by organ. In the lung, common changes include mutations in EGFR and KRAS, and rearrangements involving ALK or ROS1, which can guide targeted therapies. In colorectal cancer, adenocarcinomas frequently harbor mutations in APC, KRAS, and BRAF, with subsets showing microsatellite instability. In breast cancer, adenocarcinomas may be hormone receptor–positive or HER2-amplified, which informs systemic treatment choices. The specific molecular profile of a tumor influences both prognosis and treatment options.

Treatment depends on the tumor’s site and stage. Localized disease may be managed with surgical resection, often followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Advanced disease typically requires systemic therapy, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies for driver mutations, and, in eligible cases, immunotherapy. Palliative care and symptom management are important components of care in advanced stages. Prognosis is highly variable and closely related to stage at diagnosis, tumor biology, and access to effective targeted treatments. Adenocarcinomas represent a heterogeneous group of cancers that require site- and molecularly tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.