How to detect adenocarcinoma

Generally, detecting adenocarcinoma may involve observing bodily symptoms, performing imaging examinations, conducting endoscopic exams, carrying out pathological biopsies, and testing tumor markers. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Observing bodily symptoms: Adenocarcinomas in different locations present with specific symptoms. For example, lung adenocarcinoma may cause coughing, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and chest pain; gastric adenocarcinoma can lead to stomach pain, decreased appetite, and weight loss; colorectal adenocarcinoma may result in rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits. Paying attention to these abnormal signs and seeking timely medical evaluation can help identify early clues of adenocarcinoma.

2. Performing imaging examinations: Commonly used methods include CT, MRI, ultrasound, and PET-CT. CT scans clearly show the shape and location of tumors in areas such as the lungs and abdomen; ultrasound is suitable for examining organs like the breast, thyroid, and pancreas; PET-CT helps assess tumor activity and metastasis. These imaging techniques can help initially identify suspicious adenocarcinoma lesions.

3. Conducting endoscopic examinations: For adenocarcinomas in the digestive or respiratory tracts, procedures such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and bronchoscopy allow direct visualization of internal organ structures. They can detect mucosal abnormalities, ulcers, or masses, provide detailed observation of lesions, and offer critical information for further diagnosis. These are especially valuable for early screening of gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma.

4. Performing pathological biopsy: A tissue sample from a suspected lesion is taken and examined under a microscope to determine whether the cells exhibit characteristic features of adenocarcinoma. This is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Tissue samples can be obtained via endoscopic forceps, needle biopsy, or other methods. After staining and microscopic examination, the presence of adenocarcinoma and its degree of differentiation can be accurately determined.

5. Testing tumor markers: Blood tests for markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) may show elevated levels in some patients with adenocarcinoma, providing supportive diagnostic evidence. However, it's important to note that elevated tumor markers do not necessarily indicate adenocarcinoma. Results must be interpreted in conjunction with other tests to avoid misdiagnosis.

In daily life, individuals should remain attentive to unusual bodily changes and undergo regular targeted health screenings. Once diagnosed, prompt development of a treatment plan is essential to prevent disease progression. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also supports treatment and recovery.