​Acinar Adenocarcinoma

Acinar adenocarcinoma is a common type of cancer occurring in the prostate (walnut sized gland, present in men, located between the bladder and the penis) or the lung.

The cancer forms in the epithelial tissues that line these organs and is present as a malignant lobe-shaped tumour. It is a slow glowing cancer which is treatable if caught early.

Acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate is most prevalent in older men and in people with a family history of the cancer.
Acinar adenocarcinoma of the lung is seen to be increasing amongst young women, who don't smoke.

Initial stages of acinar adenocarcinoma might not show any symptoms. Later stages may cause certain signs and symptoms. 

Symptoms of acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate:

  • Trouble in urinating

  • Weak or interrupted flow of urine

  • Blood in semen

  • Discomfort in the pelvic area

  • Painful ejaculation

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Persistent pain in the back, hips or pelvis

Symptoms of acinar adenocarcinoma of the lung:

  • Fatigue

  • Breathlessness

  • Pain in back, shoulder or chest

  • Chronic cough

  • Coughing up blood (in later stages of the disease)

If you notice any of the above mentioned signs and symptoms, you can consult a specialist working with the Oncology Service Line at Aga Khan University Hospital.                        
Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Tests to diagnose acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate may include:

  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) in which the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger inside your rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal walls as it is adjacent to the rectum. This is done to examine the texture, shape or size of the gland and determine if there are any lumps, hardness or abnormal area

  • Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) test, a blood test, in which your blood is analysed for PSA, a substance made by the prostate. High level of PSA indicates an infection, inflammation, enlargement or cancer of the prostate.

  • Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in which a probe the size of a finger is inserted into the rectum and sound waves generated by the probe are used to make an image of your prostate gland

  • Prostate biopsy in which a sample of the cells or tissues are removed by a thin needle to be studied under the microscope. The needle may be inserted through the rectum (transrectal) or through the skin between the scrotum and rectum (transperineal) and into the prostate.


Tests to diagnose acinar adenocarcinoma of the lung may include:

  • Sputum cytology: examination of the sputum under a microscope

  • Bronchoscopy: medical procedure in which a tube is inserted through your mouth or nose to examine your airways.


Your doctor may also conduct ultrasound, Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan if your doctor suspects that the cancer has spread beyond either the lung or the prostate.

The treatment options provided to you will depend on various factors such as type of cancer and the stage at which you have been diagnosed along with your age, general overall health and personal preferences. These options include:

  • Radiation therapy in which high-energy X-rays or other radiations are used to kill the cancerous cells, applied externally over your body using a machine or by placing a radiation-filled device such as needles, seeds, wires or catheters, directly inside or near the cancer.

  • Surgery to remove the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy), or the portion of the lung along with surrounding tissues.

  • Chemotherapy in which drugs, taken orally or injected, are used to kill the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy may be an option for people who do not respond to hormone therapy.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.


 


 


 

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.