Cystadenocarcinoma is a malignant form of a
cystadenoma and is a
cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bl ...
derived from glandular
epithelium, in which cystic accumulations of retained secretions are formed. The
neoplastic cells manifest varying degrees of
anaplasia and invasiveness, and local extension and
metastases occur. Cystadenocarcinomas develop frequently in the
ovaries,
where pseudomucinous and serous types are recognized. Similar tumor histology has also been reported in the
pancreas
The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates. In humans, it is located in the abdomen behind the stomach and functions as a gland. The pancreas is a mixed or heterocrine gland, i.e. it has both an en ...
, although it is a considerably rarer entity representing 1–1.5% of all
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer arises when cells in the pancreas, a glandular organ behind the stomach, begin to multiply out of control and form a mass. These cancerous cells have the ability to invade other parts of the body. A number of types of panc ...
.
A cystadenocarcinoma contains complex multi-loculated
cyst but with exuberant solid areas in places. It usually presents with
omental metastases which cause
fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity (ascites). Cystadenocarcinomas can be classified into serous cystadenocarcinomas and mucinous cystadenomcarcinomas.
Serous cystadenocarcinomas
Among the ovarian tumours, serous tumours are most common, having a variegated appearance. Bilateral presentation is common with serous cystadenocarcinoma.
See also
*
Papillary serous cystadenocarcinoma
*
Ovarian serous cystadenoma
References
External links
Gynaecological cancer
Pancreatic cancer
{{oncology-stub