Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma

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Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a rare type of lung cancer. It occurs more frequently among never-smokers, women and Asians.[1]

By definition, BAC is not an invasive tumor. Therefore, pathologists classify it as a form of carcinoma in situ (CIS). However, unlike other forms of CIS, its behavior is malignant, often lethal. Major surgery, either a lobectomy or a pneumonectomy, is needed to control it, and recurrences are frequent. For this reason, oncologists classify it among the other malignant tumors, which are invasive tumors.

[edit] Classification

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is a sub-type of lung adenocarcinoma. However it is distinct from other lung adenocarcinomas by different clinical features, prognosis and response to treatment.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Raz, DJ; He B, Rosell R, Jablons DM (Mar 2006). "Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma: a review". Clinical Lung Cancer 7 (5): 313–322. Cancer Information Group. 
  2. ^ Lee, KS; Kim Y, Han J et al. (Nov-Dec 1997). "Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma: clinical, histopathologic, and radiologic findings" (PDF). RadioGraphics 17 (6): 1345–1357. PMID 9397450. 
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