Cancers are named after the tissues from where they originate. Adenocarcinomas arise from cells lining glands of organs such as the breast, lung, colon, stomach, cervix and esophagus. Cancers arise from cells with uncontrolled cell growth and these cells can spread to distant organs, resulting in metastasis. Different cancers spread or metastasize to different organs.
Liver Metastasis
The most common metastatic spread for adenocarcinoma are liver metastasis, particularly after colon and gastric adenocarcinoma. Prognosis from liver metastasis is often poor and treatment will depend on how much of the liver is involved. Surgery is an option if all of the tumor can be removed without damaging too much of the liver. The April 2010 issue of the journal "Surgery Today" says that new forms of treatment, including molecular targeted therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, are becoming available that hold great promise for patients with liver metastasis.
Lung Metastasis
Metastasis of the lung can arise from adenocarcinoma of the liver, colon and the lung itself. Metastasis from the lung can result in severe loss of lung function, leading to shortness of breath. The cancer can spread to lymph nodes and the lining around the lungs. It is also often difficult to detect adenocarcinoma metastasis in the lung, as it appears similar to non-cancerous fibrotic nodules. Treatment will depend on the original adenocarcinoma but can involve surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Bone Metastasis
Bone is the third most common site for metastasis from adenocarcinoma primary tumors. It occurs more frequently after adenocarcinoma of the breast, prostate, lung and cervix. Prognosis depends on the primary site of the adenocarcinoma. Treatment can involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and drugs to strengthen the bone structure.
Skin Metastasis
Skin metastasis can arise from breast, lung, colon and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Skin metastasis is a poor prognostic sign, and treatment of skin lesions depends on the size of the tumor. If the tumor is small enough, then surgery is an option. Large or numerous lesions need to be treated with chemotherapy.
References
- Colorectal Adenocarcinoma: Doctor: Patient UK
- "The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery"; Current Concepts Review-Treatment of Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Pelvis and the Extremeties; Alan D Aaron, et al; 1997
- "Surgery Today"; Strategies for Treating Liver Metastasis from Gastric Cancer; Y Kakeji, et al; April 2010
- "The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery"; Metastatic Pattern in Adenocarcinoma of the Lung. An Autopsy Study from a Cohort of 137 Consecutive Patients with Complete Resection; Stenbygaard LE, et al; October 1995
