Difference Between Colon Adenocarcinoma and Colon Cancer
May 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Peng Xiaodong
Introduction
Colonic adenocarcinoma is a subtype of colorectal cancer. It is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial cells of the colonic mucosa and represents one of several histopathological subtypes of colorectal cancer. Based on histopathological classification, colorectal cancer can be categorized into adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma accounts for the vast majority of colorectal cancers; thus, colonic adenocarcinoma is merely one specific type of colorectal cancer.
Colon adenocarcinoma and colon cancer are two relatively common diseases encountered in daily life. However, most patients cannot distinguish between them. Understanding their differences in advance is essential for effective prevention. So, what are the differences between colon adenocarcinoma and colon cancer?
Differences Between Colon Adenocarcinoma and Colon Cancer
Colon adenocarcinoma is a subtype of colon cancer. It is a malignant tumor arising from the epithelial cells of the colonic mucosa and represents one of several histopathological types of colon cancer. Based on histopathology, colon cancer can be classified into adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma accounts for the vast majority of cases; thus, colon adenocarcinoma is merely one specific type of colon cancer. In treating colon adenocarcinoma—or other subtypes of colon cancer—radical surgical resection is typically performed first, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and, in some cases, molecular targeted therapy. Because colon adenocarcinoma originates from mucosal epithelial cells, it tends to be more chemosensitive than mucinous or undifferentiated carcinomas and generally carries a more favorable prognosis.
The primary symptoms of colon adenocarcinoma include changes in stool consistency, increased frequency of bowel movements, or alternating constipation and diarrhea. Some patients pass stools containing pus and blood; others experience abdominal pain or may detect an abdominal mass—often described as sausage-shaped—with tenderness upon palpation. If colon cancer repeatedly bleeds, chronic blood loss may lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing symptoms such as dizziness.
Colon cancer is a malignant tumor occurring in the colon and is one of the more common gastrointestinal malignancies. Its incidence peaks between ages 40 and 49. Although the exact etiology remains incompletely understood, certain risk factors have been identified—including poor dietary habits, high intake of animal fats, and low consumption of dietary fiber. We hope this information proves helpful to you!
