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.
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]
References
- ^ Raz, DJ; He B, Rosell R, Jablons DM (Mar 2006). "Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma: a review". Clinical Lung Cancer 7 (5): 313-322. Cancer Information Group.
- ^ 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. Retrieved on 2007-12-03.
