Adenocarcinoma is cancer occurring in the cell tissue that lines glandular types of internal organs, including lungs, breasts, prostate, stomach, liver, pancreas and cervix 1. All cancers are graded, in regards to severity, treatment options and prognosis, in four stages. But the prognosis of these stages can vary according to the type of cancer and where it occurs in the body.

Stages of Adenocarcinoma

A Stage I adenocarcinoma is usually small and localized, and curable. Stage II and III are still local, but have grown and may involve lymph nodes. Stage IV is an inoperable cancer that has metastized, or spread, to other parts of the body. While a medical prognosis is important in dealing with Stage IV cancer, attitude, early detection and comprehensive care, according to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, can also affect outcome 1.

Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma

Common Sites of Metastasis of Adenocarcinoma

Learn More

Stage IV lung adenocarcinoma is inoperable and does not usually respond to radiation or chemotherapy. According to the National Cancer Institute, only 17 percent of those diagnosed with Stage IV survive beyond five years; eight to 10 months is the usual prognosis.

Stage IV Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Thirty percent of people with Stage IV pancreatic cancer have a three-year survival rate, but less than 5 percent survive five years, according to the Washington University School of Medicine 3.

Stage IV Breast Adenocarcinoma

Final Stages of Uterine Cancer

Learn More

The prognosis for Stage IV breast cancer is one of the better ones – it has a 20 percent five-year survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society.

Stage IV Gastric Cancer and Cholangiocarcinoma

There is a 7 percent five-year survival rate for those with Stage IV gastric cancer, according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer. With cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct liver cancer), in cases where surgical resection of the bile ducts is not possible, the five-year survival rate is 0 percent; the overall survival rate is less than six months, according to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.

Stage IV Prostate and Cervical Cancers

Prognosis is difficult to pinpoint with prostate and cervical cancers, partly because these cancers respond well to treatment, even in later stages. Also, with prostate cancer, certain clinical tests can indicate a better individual prognosis for some patients. Stage IV cervical adenocarcinoma that has spread to the bladder or rectum has a 20 to 30 percent five-year survival rate, according to the Women's Cancer Center, after diagnosis and treatment 1.