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Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma, a cancer arising in glandular cells of lungs, colon and rectum, often grows quietly before symptoms arise. Dr. Nghia Nguyen in Houston offers expert diagnosis and tailored treatments—from colonoscopy removals to targeted therapies—backed by over 15 years' extensive experience.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Smoking (especially linked to lung adenocarcinoma)
Age over 50 years
Family history of lung or colon cancer
Chronic gut inflammation (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
Persistent cough or changes in cough pattern (lung)
Chest pain or shortness of breath (lung)
Coughing up blood (lung)
Blood in the stool (rectal)
Changes in bowel habits (rectal)
Unexplained weight loss
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Adenocarcinoma Presenting as?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He discusses the onset, location, and character of your epigastric pain, reviews weight changes, heartburn or bowel habits, smoking history, and family cancer history. A focused physical exam evaluates abdominal tenderness, masses, or lymph node enlargement.
Blood Tests
We obtain a complete blood count to look for anemia, check liver and kidney function, and measure tumor markers such as CEA and CA 19-9 to screen for gastrointestinal malignancies.
Imaging Studies
CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis identifies masses in the lungs, liver, pancreas, or colon and evaluates lymph nodes and potential metastases.
Endoscopic imaging—such as upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, or endoscopic ultrasound—visualizes suspicious areas and guides targeted biopsies.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
If initial biopsies are inconclusive or further staging is required, Dr. Nguyen may recommend PET-CT, MRI, or laparoscopic sampling to confirm the diagnosis and map the extent of disease.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for adenocarcinoma.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Support
High-fiber diet recommendations to promote colon health
Antioxidant-rich foods to support recovery
Smoking cessation programs to improve lung cancer outcomes
Nutritional counseling and ongoing lifestyle coaching
2. Medications
Individualized chemotherapy regimens targeting cancer cells
Precision-based targeted therapies for specific tumor markers
Supportive medicines to manage side effects such as nausea and pain
Coordination with pharmacy for optimal dosing and safety
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic removal of early rectal adenocarcinoma during colonoscopy
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung tumor resection
Image-guided ablation techniques to destroy tumors without open surgery
Access to clinical trials of emerging interventional therapies
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the survival rate for lung adenocarcinoma?
Survival depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early detection and treatment often lead to better outcomes.
What is the ICD-10 code for rectal adenocarcinoma?
The ICD-10 code is C20.9, which designates cancer of the rectum.
Can diet help prevent adenocarcinoma?
Yes. A high-fiber diet and reducing processed meats can lower your risk of colon adenocarcinoma and support overall health.
Do treatments differ between lung and rectal cancer?
Yes. Lung adenocarcinoma often involves targeted drugs or chemotherapy, while early rectal cancers can sometimes be removed during a colonoscopy or with minimally invasive procedures.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have a persistent cough, chest pain, blood in your stool, or changes in bowel habits, schedule an appointment within a few days.
Does GastroDoxs offer second opinions?
Yes. Dr. Nguyen welcomes second-opinion consultations to review your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Are less invasive options available?
Yes. Many patients qualify for newer, low-risk treatments such as image-guided ablation or endoscopic removal without major surgery.
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