Bronchogenic Carcinoma

Abstract

The epidemiology and pathophysiologic basis of lung cancer is defined and discussed. The major subtypes of lung cancer are noted, as are the specific risk factors and imaging findings in each. Patterns of disease presentation and spread are highlighted. Complications of lung cancer, and the imaging implications of each, are discussed.

What are the two primary categories for classifying lung cancer?	Small cell and non-small cell [3]
What are the types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ?	Adenocarcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Large cell carcinoma Carcinoid tumor
What is the most common subtype of lung cancer?	Adenocarcinoma
What is the most common demographic of people who get adenocarcinoma ?	Non-smokers and women
Is adenocarcinoma associated with smoking?	Yes (but not as strongly as squamous cell) [2]
What location do adenocarcinomas typically occur?	Periphery
What is the typical radiographic appearance of adenocarcinoma ?	Solid pulmonary nodule with spiculated margins
What genetic mutations that can be targeted for therapy are associated with adenocarcinoma?	EGFR and KRAS
What subtype of adenocarcinoma is associated with lepidic (pneumonia-like consolidation) growth?	Lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma of the lung (formerly known as bronchoalveolar carcinoma) [1]
What is the second most commonly type of NSCLC?	Squamous cell carcinoma [2].
Is squamous cell carcinoma associated with smoking?	Yes, strongly [2].
What location do squamous cell carcinomas typically occur?	Centrally
What is a distinguishing feature of squamous cell carcinoma?	Most common to cavitate
Which adenocarcinoma typically presents as a large (>4 cm) peripheral mass?	Large cell carcinoma
Is large cell carcinoma associated with smoking?	Yes, strongly
Which NSCLC typically presents as an endobronchial lesion and has a propensity to cause obstruction/atelectasis?	Carcinoid
What are the subtypes of pulmonary carcinoid tumors?	Typical: bronchial tumors, better prognosis Atypical: peripheral tumors, worse prognosis [1]
Where do small cell lung cancers typically occur?	Centrally
Is small cell lung cancer associated with smoking?	Yes, strongly [2]
Which primary lung cancer has the worst prognosis and why?	Small cell carcinoma, metastases early
Which primary lung cancer is associated with SIADH and Cushing syndrome ?	Small cell carcinoma
Which primary lung cancer most commonly causing SVC syndrome ?	Small cell carcinoma
Which primary lung cancer is associated with hypercalcemia and why?	Squamous cell carcinoma: secretes PTHrp (parathyroid hormone-related protein) [3]
What is a superior sulcus tumor ?	Lung cancer occurring in the lung apex
What is the name of a superior sulcus tumor that causes Horner syndrome ? What is Horner syndrome?	Pancoast tumor Ipsilateral ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis
Common locations for primary lung cancer metastases?	Lymph nodes (hilar, mediastinal, supraclavicular) Pleura/malignant pleural effusion Adrenal glands Bone Brain
What are the most common risk factors for lung cancer?	Smoking Asbestos, diffuse lung fibrosis, COPD [3]