Adenocarcinoma refers to which of the following?

• A. Cancerous tumor of glandular tissue
• B. Inflammation of the liver
• C. Benign tumor of muscle
• D. Fluid-filled sac

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is what the term adenocarcinoma means. Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that arises from glandular epithelium. The prefix aden- means gland, and carcinoma refers to a cancer that originates from epithelial tissue. Glandular tissue lines many organs and forms secretory glands, so cancers that resemble or arise from these glands are called adenocarcinomas. This differs from inflammatory conditions (like hepatitis), benign tumors of muscle (such as leiomyoma), or fluid-filled sacs (cysts), which are not cancers of glandular tissue. Therefore, a cancerous tumor of glandular tissue is the correct understanding.