Lung Cancer : Adenocarcinoma

This accounts for about 20% of lung cancer cases. This is still associated with smoking, but is the most common type to occur in non-smokers & women. Histological classification includes two forms: 1) bronchial-derived adenocarcinoma (i.e.: derived from bronchial mucosa), 2) bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (i.e.: derived from terminal bronchioles – specialised cells located here). Adenocarcinoma lesions are located more peripherally, are smaller, and vary histologically (glandular appearance≫ papillary lesions≫solid mass). 80% of these tumours contain mucin producing glands (i.e.: Histological landmark: gland formation / mucin production by tumour cells).

This type of cancer is most commonly associated with HPOA.

Category: Pathology Notes