Large-cell carcinoma

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Large-cell carcinoma is a type of lung cancer characterized by large, abnormal-looking cells that contain a large nucleus, a high amount of cytoplasm, and prominent nucleoli. It is a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the most common type of lung cancer. Large-cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 10% of NSCLC cases.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of large-cell carcinoma are similar to those of other types of lung cancer and may include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. In some cases, the cancer may cause complications such as pleural effusion or pneumonia.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of large-cell carcinoma typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and tissue sampling procedures, such as biopsy or bronchoscopy. The diagnosis is confirmed by a pathologist who examines the cells under a microscope.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for large-cell carcinoma depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. In some cases, palliative care may be recommended to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for large-cell carcinoma varies depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. In general, the survival rate is lower than for other types of NSCLC due to the aggressive nature of this cancer.

See also[edit | edit source]

Large-cell carcinoma Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD