Adenocarcinoma of the lung

Adenocarcinoma of the lung
Other namesPulmonary adenocarcinoma
A gross pathological specimen of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, removed in a lobectomy.
SpecialtyOncology

Adenocarcinoma of the lung is the most common type of lung cancer, and like other forms of lung cancer, it is characterized by distinct cellular and molecular features.[1] It is classified as one of several non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), to distinguish it from small cell lung cancer which has a different behavior and prognosis. Lung adenocarcinoma is further classified into several subtypes and variants.[2] The signs and symptoms of this specific type of lung cancer are similar to other forms of lung cancer, and patients most commonly complain of persistent cough and shortness of breath.

Adenocarcinoma is more common in patients with a history of cigarette smoking, and is the most common form of lung cancer in younger women and Asian populations. The pathophysiology of adenocarcinoma is complicated, but generally follows a histologic progression from cells found in healthy lungs to distinctly dysmorphic, or irregular cells. There are several distinct molecular and genetic pathways that contribute to this progression. Like many lung cancers, adenocarcinoma of the lung is often advanced by the time of diagnosis. Once a lesion or tumor is identified with various imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray, a biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of this lung cancer is based upon the specific subtype and the extent of spread from the primary tumor. Surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are used in attempt to eradicate the cancerous cells based upon these factors.[3]

  1. ^ Travis WD, Brambilla E, Müller-Hermelink HK, Harris CC, eds. (2004). Pathology and Genetics of Tumours of the Lung, Pleura, Thymus and Heart (PDF). World Health Organization Classification of Tumours. Lyon: IARC Press. ISBN 978-92-832-2418-1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-08-23. Retrieved 27 March 2010.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Herbst RS, Morgensztern D, Boshoff C (January 2018). "The biology and management of non-small cell lung cancer". Nature. 553 (7689): 446–454. Bibcode:2018Natur.553..446H. doi:10.1038/nature25183. PMID 29364287. S2CID 4463109.