Signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum is a common colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer comes in many forms, including adenocarcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma, and neuroendocrine tumors.
Adenocarcinoma is the most common bang out of colorectal cancer.
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What Is an Adenocarcinoma?
“Adeno-” is a prefix that means “gland.”
In general, glands secrete things and are classified as endocrine or exocrine.
Endocrine glands secrete things into the bloodstream, like hormones.
Exocrine glands secrete things that go outside of the body, like mucus and sweat.
A carcinoma is amalignant tumorthat starts in epithelial tissue.
The term “signet ring cell” describes the appearance ofcancer.
To look at cancer cells under a microscope, you have to stain and dehydrate them.
This makes the cell look kind of like a ring under the microscope.
Signet ring cell adenocarcinomas are considered more aggressive than regular adenocarcinomas and are harder to successfully treat.
Treatments for colorectal cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination.
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