adenomastubular

Adenomastubular is a histopathological descriptor used to characterize a tissue architecture in which gland-like (adenomatous) elements coexist with tubular structures within the same lesion. It is a descriptive term rather than a formal diagnosis and can be encountered in reports of tumors or non-neoplastic lesions across different organ systems.

Because it is descriptive, adenomastubular findings require interpretation in the context of cytology, invasion, and ancillary studies. Immunohistochemistry and molecular testing may help distinguish a purely benign glandular proliferation from malignant processes when tubular and adenomatoid components are present.

The pattern has been described in a variety of settings, including lesions in the breast, urinary tract, gynecologic tract, and salivary glands, where mixed glandular architecture can occur. Differential considerations include adenomatoid tumors (benign mesothelial lesions) and adenocarcinomas with tubular differentiation; diagnostic conclusions depend on the full morphologic context and adjunct studies.

In reporting, pathologists typically describe the proportion, distribution, cytologic features, and any evidence of invasion to aid clinical management. The term is primarily used to convey a particular architectural arrangement rather than to designate a discrete disease entity.

See also adenomatoid tumor; tubular adenoma; glandular architecture.