Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer...

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Medically reviewed by Archana Sharma, DOMedically reviewed by Archana Sharma, DOResearchers identified two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the most common type. Adenocarcinoma (also known as adenocarcinoma lung cancer or lung adenocarcinoma) is the most common type of NSCLC. While NSCLC accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases, 40% of diagnoses are due to adenocarcinoma, which can cause symptoms like chronic cough and shortness of breath, among others. Adenocarcinoma is a term for cancers that develop from cells in your glands, which are organs that release substances like mucus, hormones, and digestive juices. Lung adenocarcinoma occurs when cancer forms in glandular cells in the lungs called epithelial cells, which produce mucus. These cells are located in the outer part of the lungs. This cancer is also the most commonly diagnosed type of lung cancer in people with no history of smoking. While adenocarcinoma lung cancer is common, it tends to grow and spread much slower than other non-small cell lung cancers. Fortunately, this means you can get a diagnosis before cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma Lung CancerSimilar to most other types of cancer, lung adenocarcinoma often doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stages. But when symptoms do occur, they may cause:Chronic coughLoss of appetiteFatigueChest painShortness of breathUnintentional weight lossUnfortunately, these symptoms can mimic symptoms of other conditions, so it's easy to misdiagnose them early on or miss them entirely. However, as cancer cells spread, you may develop even more symptoms, such as:Pain or weakness in the shouldersBone and joint painCoughing up bloodJaundiceSwollen lymph nodesFacial droopingSwelling of the face, arms, neck, and upper chestDifficulty swallowingHeadachesNumbness in the arms and legsCausesOver the years, researchers have identified several genes associated with lung cancer, including the TP53, KRAS, and EGFR genes. A mutation (change) in the genes that control cell growth, division, or repair of damaged DNA can sometimes lead to the development of cancer. But, environmental factors combined with genetic influences can determine your risk of developing cancer.Risk FactorsAnyone can develop adenocarcinoma lung cancer, but some people are at a higher risk of experiencing the condition. Consider the following risk factors:Tobacco intake: 80% of all lung cancer deaths are related to smoking cigarettes, pipes, menthols, and vapes Exposure to radon gas: Radon is a radioactive gas found in soil, rocks, and water, but can enter indoor areas and build up, causing harmful effectsSecondhand smoke: Even if you don't smoke, being near people or in places where smoking is occurring can increase your risk of inhaling the toxins from tobaccoHowever, other factors may also increase your risk of developing this condition, such as:Age under 45 years oldBeing assigned female at birthExposure to asbestosHIV infectionTaking beta-carotene supplementsA family history of lung cancerDrinking water that contains arsenicWorking with or living near chemicals like coal products, nickel chromates, and vinyl chlorideUsing products that contain formaldehyde and chlorideDiagnosisIf you're experiencing symptoms of adenocarcinoma or have been feeling unwell lately, it's important to see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will first ask about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits and perform a physical exam. If they suspect cancer, they can order one or more of the following exams to confirm a diagnosis:Computed tomography (CT scan): Checks for the presence of suspicious lung nodules, tumors, and other abnormalities in the lungsMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses magnetic fields and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the lungs to check for tumors and how far cancer cells have spreadPositron emission tomography (PET scan): Creates three-dimensional (3D) images of the body to look for signs of diseaseNeedle thoracentesis: Collects fluid around the lung to check for the presence of cancer cellsBone scan: Involves an injection of a low-level radioactive substance into your blood to determine if cancer has spread to the bonesLung biopsy: Takes a sample of your lung tissue to examine it under a microscope to look for the presence of cancer cellsStages of Lung AdenocarcinomaIf your healthcare team finds that you have lung adenocarcinoma, you may need further testing to determine the size of the tumor, whether cancer cells have spread, and how far the cancer has metastasized (spread) in the body. This helps determine what stage of cancer you are in. The stages of lung cancer are as follows:Stage 0: Cancer cells have not spread past the lung's outer liningStage I: Cancer cells are limited, localized, and have not spread to any lymph nodesStage II: Cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodesStage III: Cancer cells have spread to faraway lymph nodes or nearby tissuesStage IV: Cancer cells have spread to other organs of the body, such as the liver, brain, or the other lungAdenocarcinoma Lung Cancer TreatmentTreatment for adenocarcinoma lung cancer depends on your symptoms, what stage of the disease you're in, and your overall condition and needs. Your healthcare team will discuss your options and may recommend a combination of the following treatments: Chemotherapy to prevent cancer cells from spreadingRadiation therapy to kill or shrink cancer cellsImmunotherapy to help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cellsSurgery to remove the tumor (in early stages)Targeted therapy to work against genetic abnormalities How To Prevent Lung CancerThere is no foolproof way to prevent adenocarcinoma lung cancer, but adopting the following strategies may help reduce your risk of this condition:Consider quitting smoking or reach out to your healthcare provider if you need supportAvoid exposure to secondhand tobacco smokeAdopt a diet filled with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grainsGet your home checked for radonUse personal protective equipment and increase ventilation in the room when handling formaldehydeLimit exposure to other potential cancer-causing agents like asbestos and arsenicComplicationsLung adenocarcinoma and its treatment can sometimes cause complications. But if you receive a diagnosis earlier, the risk of complications is generally lower. Some common complications that may be associated with this type of cancer include:Injury to the phrenic nerve: The phrenic nerve plays a vital role in respiration (breathing), as it causes the diaphragm to contract and expand. Damage to this nerve may occur during a lung cancer surgery, causing paralysis of the diaphragm.Infections: Lung cancer treatments like chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections.Respiratory failure: Lung cancer tumors can sometimes put pressure on the lungs, cause inflammation, or block the airways, which can all impair the function of your respiratory system. Living With CancerLearning you have adenocarcinoma lung cancer can spur on different emotions, which can be challenging to deal with. There is no right or wrong way to process this diagnosis, and it’s normal to feel however you feel. But, there are some things you can do to live well with your condition. Consider the following strategies:Take charge of your healthcare by working with your healthcare team, speaking up, asking questions, and researching more about your conditionsCommunicate your feelings and experiences with your loved onesFind ways to express your thoughts, such as writing in a journal or joining a support groupMake any lifestyle changes your healthcare provider recommends to help manage your conditionLearn stress management techniques (such as yoga or meditation)Be open to discussing anything on your mind, including difficult topics like end-of-life decisionsRemind yourself to seek out and accept care from your healthcare team and loved onesIt may be helpful to know that healthcare providers are getting better at diagnosing and treating these conditions, and more clinical trials are being carried out to discover devices, drugs, and therapies that may work better for treating different cancers. Non-small cell lung cancer is treatable, so following your treatment plan can help improve symptoms and your overall quality of life.Frequently Asked Questions

How serious is adenocarcinoma of the lung?

Adenocarcinoma of the lung is one of the most common types of lung cancer and is a serious medical condition that requires urgent medical attention. However, detecting it early can increase your chance of achieving remission.

What is the life expectancy of someone with adenocarcinoma?

The life expectancy for people with lung cancer varies on several factors, but research shows that the five-year survival rate for people with early-stage lung cancer is 65%. This means that 65% of people with lung cancer that hasn't spread to distant areas of the body are still alive after five years.

Is adenocarcinoma cancer curable?

Adenocarcinoma is curable in its early stages (stages 0 and 1), especially with surgery. There is also the possibility of a cure even for stage 3 cancer if you're receiving a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.

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