Adenocarcinoma is defined as which of the following?

Adenocarcinoma is defined as which of the following?

• A. Gland-forming epithelial cancer producing mucus or secretions
• B. Cancer of smooth muscle tissue
• C. Cancer arising from blood vessels
• D. Benign glandular tissue tumor

Answer: (A)

Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that starts in glandular epithelium and tends to form gland-like structures, often producing mucus or other secretions. The “adeno-” part points to gland origin, while “-carcinoma” indicates a cancer of epithelial tissue. This distinguishes it from cancers of other tissues—such as smooth muscle cancer (leiomyosarcoma) or cancers arising from blood vessels (angiosarcoma)—and from a benign glandular tumor (adenoma). In many organs with glandular tissue, adenocarcinomas show gland formation and mucin production, which is what this definition captures.

Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that starts in glandular epithelium and tends to form gland-like structures, often producing mucus or other secretions. The “adeno-” part points to gland origin, while “-carcinoma” indicates a cancer of epithelial tissue. This distinguishes it from cancers of other tissues—such as smooth muscle cancer (leiomyosarcoma) or cancers arising from blood vessels (angiosarcoma)—and from a benign glandular tumor (adenoma). In many organs with glandular tissue, adenocarcinomas show gland formation and mucin production, which is what this definition captures.