Understanding Adenocarcinoma Cancer
- A Florida teacher named Madison Baloy, 25, experienced persistent stomach aches and weight loss before being diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma cancer.
- Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in the glandular tissue the National Cancer Institute explains. Glandular tissue produces mucus, digestive juices, and other fluids the body uses to function.
- "Most cancers of the breast, lung, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, prostate, and uterus are adenocarcinomas," the National Cancer Institute says.
- Symptoms associated with adenocarcinoma are tied to the body part it most impacts. For example, when adenocarcinoma impacts the prostate, men may experience symptoms associated with prostate cancer.
- Treatment for adenocarcinoma depends on where the tumor is found in the body, its size, its type, and if it has metastasized or spread to other body parts.
A Florida elementary school teacher thought God was answering her prayers when she finally started losing weight. But when it was accompanied by stomach pains and severe nausea, she knew something was wrong. It turned out to be stage 4 cancer.
When the 25-year-old learned her body was battling cancer, she realized she had to shift her outlook.
(Photo: Facebook/Madison Baloy)
Her life took a turn when a nausea spell occurred while she was in class teaching her students. The nausea became so intense she needed to go to the emergency room.
She received a CT scan while at the hospital. Doctors found she had a "cluster of tumors pushing down on her large intestine." She learned the tumors were causing her persistent stomach aches.
In February, she underwent surgery and a biopsy. A month later, she was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer forms "in the glands that line your organs" according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Doctors did not know where the cancer originated, The Daily Express reported.
"My diagnosis had made me idolize things differently," she said.
Since the cancer had become advanced, Baloy's doctors focused on managing her condition rather than seeking out a cure.
After her diagnosis, she had to stop working due to her health.
"It is hard, it is super hard. The hardest part is the reality shift I have had but it hasn't got me down as much as I thought it would," Baloy said.
She's currently undergoing treatment that involves chemotherapy every three weeks.
While undergoing chemotherapy treatments, Baloy took her hair loss in stride. She got a tattoo of a sun on the back of her shaved head.
She says it’s her way of saying, “F—” cancer.
Understanding Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in the glandular tissue, the National Cancer Institute explains. Glandular tissue produces mucus, digestive juices, and other fluids the body uses to function.
"Most cancers of the breast, lung, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, prostate, and uterus are adenocarcinomas," the National Cancer Institute says.
Not all tumors found in glandular cells are cancerous. Noncancerous adenomas are called adenomas, Cleveland Clinic explains. Cancerous cells in the glandular cells are called adenocarcinomas.
If you experience symptoms that appear unusual, it may be worth seeing your doctor. Diagnostic tests which may include blood tests, a CT scan, MRI, or biopsy can help your doctor determine if you are dealing with adenocarcinoma.
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Adenocarcinoma Risk Factors and Symptoms
According to the Cleveland Clinic, smoking tobacco, toxin exposure and previous history of radiation therapy increases your risk of getting adenocarcinoma.
Symptoms associated with adenocarcinoma are tied to the body part it most impacts. For example, when adenocarcinoma impacts the prostate, men may experience symptoms associated with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer symptoms may include erectile dysfunction, blood in your urine or frequent urination.
Similarly, symptoms associated with adenocarcinoma impacting a woman's breasts will present breast cancer symptoms. Breast cancer symptoms include breast swelling, changes in your breasts' shape or size, or redness and flaky skin on the breasts.
The same logic for adenocarcinoma symptoms applies to other organs the cancer may impact. This includes cancers of the colon, stomach, esophagus, lungs, and pancreas.
Help Coping With Cancer
How Are Adenocarcinomas Treated?
Treatment for adenocarcinoma depends on where the tumor is found in the body, its size, its type, and if it has metastasized or spread to other body parts.
- Surgery is a treatment option that involves removing the tumor and surrounding tissue the cancer may have impacted.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs designed to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to treat cancer.
If You Are Diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma, What Questions Should You Ask Your Doctor?
- Where exactly is the cancer located?
- What do you know about my cancer at this point?
- What are my treatment options based on my diagnosis?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
- What support services are available to me? To my family?
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