Cystic adenoma is a benign tumor with a closed sac structure called a cyst that can become malignant and is classified by shape or location. It is usually diagnosed by CT scans and often has no symptoms. Treatment depends on the size and firmness of the cyst.
A cystic adenoma, better known as a cystadenoma, is a type of benign tumor characterized by a closed sac structure called a cyst. When a cystic adenoma becomes malignant, it is labeled a cystadenocarcinoma. This tumor is classified according to its shape or location.
Cystadenoma earns its label from its way of origin. In addition to the prefixes “cyst” and “cystic” describing its structure, the term “adenoma” is applied as a clinical term for its benign tumor status. This simply means that the tumor is harmless. Adenomas usually develop from epithelial tissue, which is a group of cells that line the interior surfaces of the body.
There are different types of cystic adenoma, which are named according to the texture and shape or where they occur. For example, in terms of shape, papillary cystadenoma has a nipple-like shape, while serous and mucinous cystadenoma resemble the pale yellow transparency and slippery texture of serous fluid and mucus, respectively. As for the location, the tumor can be found in organs such as the pancreas, the bile duct or the appendix.
Despite its traditional harmless designation, this tumor still has the potential to be malignant. This means that it can grow in size and spread to other parts of the body uncontrollably, thus developing into cancer. Such tumors are called carcinoma, and in the case of cystic adenoma, it becomes cystadenocarcinoma. The most common sites for this condition are the ovaries and pancreas.
Cystic adenoma is usually diagnosed by X-ray computed tomography (CT). It is a medical imaging method that involves producing three-dimensional images that reveal the inside of the body. CT scans are particularly useful for detecting cystadenoma as they are more effective than plain x-rays at revealing abnormalities in epithelial tissue.
Cystadenoma, however, usually does not show any symptoms. They are usually discovered when the patient goes for a routine checkup. It’s up to the doctor to determine whether to remove the cyst or leave it alone.
If cystic adenomas show signs of growth or are quite firm, your doctor should remove them. This is usually done by performing a laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that involves inserting a viewing instrument called a laparoscope through small incisions in the body to see the area of the intended operation. Cystic adenomas with less firmness and more liquid are left alone to dissolve, as they are deemed harmless.
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