Mucinous carcinoma is a cancer that arises in mucin-producing cells found in various parts of the body. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the cancer. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Follow-up testing is recommended to identify recurrences.
Mucinous carcinoma is a type of malignant neoplasm that arises in cells designed to produce mucin, one of the key ingredients in mucus. Mucin-producing cells are found in many regions of the body, especially in linings such as the intestinal tract, tissue found in the breast ducts, and bladder, among many other places. Survival rates for people with this type of cancer vary depending on where the cancer grows and how far it progresses before it’s diagnosed.
Mucus is used by the body for a variety of functions, including protection and lubrication. The widespread presence of mucin-producing cells means that a mucinous carcinoma can grow almost anywhere in the body. As with other types of cancer, growth begins with a small cell or group of cells being destroyed and starting to multiply out of control. These cells can also produce excess mucin, and this can cause the cancer to spread faster than other types of cancer. These tumors tend to grow rapidly, become very large, and spread rapidly.
A person with a mucinous carcinoma may experience symptoms such as pain and irritation. Sometimes a lump can be identified if the growth begins in a palpable area such as a sweat gland or the inside of the breast. Carcinomas in places like the bladder can cause other symptoms like blood in the urine or difficulty urinating. Patients may be screened with tools such as medical imaging studies to look for abnormalities, as well as biopsies, to take samples from suspicious growths for analysis in a laboratory setting.
Lab technicians can look for a variety of telltale signs of a mucinous carcinoma. These tumors tend to produce poorly differentiated cells that float in pools of mucus, making them distinct from other types of cancer. The technician can examine the cells to learn more about where they originated and can also check biopsy samples from nearby lymph nodes to see if the cancer cells have had an opportunity to spread.
Treatments for mucinous carcinoma may include surgery to remove the growth, along with chemotherapy and radiation to destroy any cancer cells that are still present in the body. The tests can be used to identify treatments to which cells may be sensitive in order to use the most effective treatment possible. Once the patient has been cleared of cancer, periodic follow-up testing may be recommended to identify recurrences as early as possible, if they occur.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
