Bronchogenic Carcinoma

Bronchogenic Carcinoma

Bronchogenic carcinoma is a highly malignant primary lung tumor that accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases.^[1]  Although the etiology of the disease is most likely multifactorial, about 85% of lung cancer deaths are attributable to cigarette smoking.^[2] Bronchogenic carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer mortality in both women and men in the USA.^[3]  Researches show that it is the second most common cancer in men (13%) and the third most common cancer in women (13%).^[1]

Types

Four major cell types of bronchogenic carcinoma exist. These are: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, undifferentiated large cell carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated large cell carcinoma are generally peripheral lesions which present as solitary nodules or masses while squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma are usually central and manifest as hilar masses, atelectasis, or pneumonia.^[2]

Causes

90%  of patients with lung cancer of all histological types are current or former cigarette smokers and around 2 to 17% of lung cancer cases are related to occupation.^[3] Exposure to  asbestos, radiation, arsenic, chromates, nickel, chloromethyl ethers, mustard gas and radon gas are thought to cause the disease.^[1]

Signs and Symptoms

The patient may be asymptomatic or may present with few symptoms. Cough is one of the most frequent symptoms.^[4] Affected individual may also cough up blood, lose weight and complain of chest pain. He or she may experience difficulty of breathing, hoarseness and muscle weakness. Horner's syndrome may be apparent which is characterized by eyelid droop, constriction of the pupil in the eye and decreased sweating, all on the same side of the face. The nervous system may be damaged causing degeneration  of cerebellum thus may affect balance and coordination. There may be neurological signs such as weakness, sensory disruption, changes in behavior and mental status, problems breathing and problems swallowing.^[4]

Diagnosis

Suspicion of tumor is obtained from medical history and physical exam. Chest X-ray will show the lesion, its location, and its anatomic effects. Bronchoscopy, exploratory thoracotomy and other laboratory exams aid in the diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma.^[1]

Treatment

Treatment for bronchogenic carcinoma depends on the stage of the disease and how advanced it is. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.^[5]

References:

1. http://dcregistry.com/users/bronchiogenicca/index.html
2. http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/14/2/429.abstract
3. http://www.ajol.info/index.php/safp/article/viewFile/13119/15702..
4. http://www.livestrong.com/article/75563-symptoms-bronchogenic-carcinoma/
5. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lungcancer.html

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