Definition:
The term "mucinous" means that something has a lot of mucus. Carcinomas that are comprised of at least 60% mucus are referred to as mucinous.
Scientists think that the presence of mucus allows cancer cells to spread faster. As a result, mucinous carcinomas are considered more aggressive than regular carcinomas and are harder to successfully treat.
Other names for mucinous carcinoma include mucinous adenocarcinoma, mucinous tumor, and colloid carcinoma. Mucinous carcinomas account for about 10-15% of all adenocarcinomas.
For information, please read Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Colon and Rectum.
Sources:
The term "mucinous" means that something has a lot of mucus. Carcinomas that are comprised of at least 60% mucus are referred to as mucinous.
Scientists think that the presence of mucus allows cancer cells to spread faster. As a result, mucinous carcinomas are considered more aggressive than regular carcinomas and are harder to successfully treat.
Other names for mucinous carcinoma include mucinous adenocarcinoma, mucinous tumor, and colloid carcinoma. Mucinous carcinomas account for about 10-15% of all adenocarcinomas.
For information, please read Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Colon and Rectum.
Sources:
- Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Mucinous Carcinoma. National Cancer Institute. 12 Sep. 2006 [http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=44289].
- Minsky, B. and Mies, C. "Colloid Carcinoma of the Colon and Rectum." Cancer 60.12 (Dec. 1987): 3103-3112. PubMed. 12 Sep. 2006 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2824024&dopt=Abstract].
- Wick, M. and Vitsky, J. Sporadic Medullary Carcinoma of the Colon. Medscape Today. 31 Jan. 2005. 12 Sep. 2006 [http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/497000].
Also Known As: mucinous adenocarcinoma, mucinous tumor, colloid carcinoma
