Keuhkosyöpämuoto

Keuhkosyöpämuoto refers to the classification of lung cancer based on the appearance of cancer cells under a microscope. This classification is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment strategy and predicting the prognosis. The two main categories are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Small cell lung cancer, often called oat cell cancer due to the characteristic appearance of the cells, is aggressive and tends to spread quickly. It accounts for about 10-15% of all lung cancers. NSCLC is more common, making up approximately 85-90% of lung cancers. NSCLC is further divided into several subtypes, with the most frequent being adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma often arises in the outer parts of the lungs and is the most common type of lung cancer in non-smokers. Squamous cell carcinoma typically originates in the airways closer to the center of the lungs and is strongly linked to smoking. Large cell carcinoma can appear in any part of the lung and is characterized by large, undifferentiated cells.

The distinction between SCLC and NSCLC is significant because their treatment approaches differ. SCLC is often treated with chemotherapy and radiation, as it tends to respond well to these therapies initially. NSCLC treatments are more varied and depend on the specific subtype, stage of the cancer, and whether targeted therapies or immunotherapies are suitable. Accurate diagnosis of the keuhkosyöpämuoto is the first step in effective lung cancer management.