Adenosquamous lung carcinoma

Adenosquamous lung carcinoma is a rare type of lung cancer that contains both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma components. It accounts for approximately 0.4% to 4% of all lung cancers.

Etiology

The exact cause of adenosquamous lung carcinoma is unknown. However, it is believed to be associated with smoking, similar to other types of lung cancer.

Pathogenesis

Adenosquamous lung carcinoma is characterized by the presence of both glandular (adenocarcinoma) and squamous differentiation. The tumor cells often show a mixture of these two components, although one component may dominate over the other.

Clinical Features

Patients with adenosquamous lung carcinoma often present with symptoms similar to other types of lung cancer, such as cough, chest pain, and weight loss. However, due to the squamous component of the tumor, these patients may also present with hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of adenosquamous lung carcinoma is made by histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen. The presence of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma components is required for the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of adenosquamous lung carcinoma is similar to other types of lung cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, due to the aggressive nature of this type of cancer, the prognosis is often poor.

Prognosis

The prognosis of adenosquamous lung carcinoma is generally poor, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 15%. The poor prognosis is due to the aggressive nature of the tumor and the often advanced stage at diagnosis.

See Also

• Lung cancer
• Adenocarcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma