Which term describes a malignant tumor that originates in glandular tissue?

Which term describes a malignant tumor that originates in glandular tissue?

• A. Adenoma
• B. Carcinoma
• C. Sarcoma
• D. Adenocarcinoma

Answer: (D)

A malignant tumor that arises from glandular epithelium is called adenocarcinoma. Glandular tissue is made up of epithelial cells that form glands and mucous-producing structures, so when these glandular cells transform malignantly, the tumor is described as adenocarcinoma. The prefix adeno- specifies glandular origin, while -carcinoma denotes a malignant epithelial tumor. In contrast, an adenoma is a benign tumor of glandular tissue, and a carcinoma is a broader term for malignant epithelial tumors that may or may not be glandular in origin. Sarcoma refers to malignant tumors of connective tissue, not epithelial glands. Hence, adenocarcinoma is the term that best fits a malignant tumor originating in glandular tissue.

A malignant tumor that arises from glandular epithelium is called adenocarcinoma. Glandular tissue is made up of epithelial cells that form glands and mucous-producing structures, so when these glandular cells transform malignantly, the tumor is described as adenocarcinoma. The prefix adeno- specifies glandular origin, while -carcinoma denotes a malignant epithelial tumor. In contrast, an adenoma is a benign tumor of glandular tissue, and a carcinoma is a broader term for malignant epithelial tumors that may or may not be glandular in origin. Sarcoma refers to malignant tumors of connective tissue, not epithelial glands. Hence, adenocarcinoma is the term that best fits a malignant tumor originating in glandular tissue.