Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is a type of of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), characterized by a glandular appearance on biopsy.

There are two main subtypes of adenocarcinoma, including bronchial adenocarcinoma and bronchioalveolar adenocarcinoma. Both present with peripheral lesions.

Bronchial Adenocarcinoma is common in non-smokers and females, and classically presents with hemoptysis and weight loss.

Bronchioalveolar Adenocarcinoma is associated with smoking, and can present similarly to pneumonia: with consolidation on chest x-rays with copious sputum production. Pathology usually shows Clara cells or mucin-secreting cells growing along preexisting structures. Importantly, bronchioalveolar adenocarcinoma is associated with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.

Find Adenocarcinoma and more Lung Cancer topics among Pixorize's visual mnemonics for the USMLE Step 1 and NBME Shelf Exams.