What is a cancerous gland-like tumor such as Wilms' tumor classified as?

A cancerous gland-like tumor, such as Wilms' tumor, is classified as an adenosarcoma. This type of tumor arises from glandular tissues and possesses both epithelial and mesenchymal components, which means it originates from cells that are structured similarly to glands but have the malignant potential of sarcomas. Wilms' tumor specifically is a form of nephroblastoma found in the kidneys of children, reflecting its origin from embryonic renal tissue.

In contrast, carcinoma refers to malignant tumors that arise specifically from epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of organs and structures throughout the body, while sarcomas are malignant tumors that originate from connective tissues such as muscle, fat, and bone. Fibromas are benign tumors of fibrous connective tissue, not malignant, and therefore do not classify as cancerous. The classification of Wilms' tumor as an adenosarcoma is rooted in its histological features and the type of tissue from which it derives.