Definition

1. Noun:
   • A malignant tumor originating in glandular epithelium: This is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of a gland, which are specialized epithelial cells that secrete substances. It is also known as adenocarcinoma.

Usage

• The term "glandular cancer" is used in medical contexts to classify and describe the origin of a specific malignant tumor. It specifies that the cancer arose from glandular tissue, which lines certain internal organs and forms glands.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of glandular cancer.
  • Treatment for glandular cancer often involves surgery and targeted therapies.

Advanced Usage

• In oncology, "glandular cancer" is a broad categorical term. The specific prognosis and treatment depend heavily on the primary site (e.g., prostate, breast, lung, colon) where the glandular cancer originates.
• The term is often used interchangeably with adenocarcinoma in medical literature, though "adenocarcinoma" is the more precise histological term.

Variants and Related Words

• Adenocarcinoma (n): The more specific medical term for a malignant tumor arising from glandular epithelium.
• Carcinoma (n): A general term for a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs, which includes glandular cancers.

Synonyms

• Adenocarcinoma: Malignant tumor originating in glandular tissue.

Notes on Meaning

• "Glandular cancer" refers specifically to the origin of the cancer cells (glandular epithelium). It does not describe the behavior, stage, or aggressiveness of the cancer, which are separate clinical assessments.
• It is distinct from other broad categories of cancer such as sarcoma (cancer of connective tissues) or lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system).

Noun

1. malignant tumor originating in glandular epithelium