On a biopsy report
Adenocarcinoma
Also written as Adenoca, Adenocarcinoma NOS
What it means
Adenocarcinoma is cancer that forms in glandular tissue, which lines some internal organs and makes mucus, digestive juices and other fluids. Most cancers of the breast, lung, food pipe, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, prostate and uterus are adenocarcinomas.
Why it matters
It tells your oncologist the type of cell the cancer came from. Treatment depends on that, the organ and the stage.
Ask your oncologist
"Which organ did this adenocarcinoma start in, and what other tests will guide treatment?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: adenocarcinoma. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.