Type:
Term: AdenocarcinomaDefinition: A type of cancer that develops in the glands of organs, often found in the lungs, and can be linked to asbestos exposure.Phonetic Pronunciation: (AD-uh-no-kar-sih-NOH-muh)Origin: The term 'adenocarcinoma' originates from Greek roots. 'Adeno' comes from 'aden', meaning gland, and 'carcinoma' from 'karkinos', meaning crab, which was historically used to describe tumors due to their crab-like appearance. This term reflects the cancer's characteristic of originating in glandular tissue.Significance in Asbestos Context: Adenocarcinoma is significant in asbestos-related cases because prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can increase the risk of developing this cancer, particularly in the lungs. It is one of the more common types of lung cancer associated with asbestos, making it crucial for legal claims involving asbestos exposure.Example Sentence: The plaintiff's medical records confirmed a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, which his attorneys argued was directly linked to his years of asbestos exposure at the shipyard.Related Terms: Lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, bronchogenic carcinomaNotes:
- Adenocarcinoma can occur in organs other than the lungs, such as the colon or breast, but in asbestos cases, it is most relevant to the lungs.
- Not all cases of adenocarcinoma are caused by asbestos, but a history of asbestos exposure can be a significant risk factor.
- Early diagnosis of adenocarcinoma can improve treatment outcomes, making awareness of asbestos exposure crucial.
