Description
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is the growth of abnormal cells in the lung. These abnormal cells increase in number and produce a tumor. Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the non-small cell lung cancers. Most squamous cell tumors tend to start in the center of lungs and often spread to other parts of the body. Current or previous smokers, people with asbestos or radon exposure are at greater risk for development of this type of cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss or loss of appetite.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is often suspected after an imaging test, such as a chest x-ray or CT scan. A tissue biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
CT Scan, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, Chest X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Tissue biopsy, sputum cytology
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is often suspected after an imaging test, such as a chest x-ray or CT scan. A tissue biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
CT Scan, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, Chest X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Tissue biopsy, sputum cytology
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the size and location of the cancer. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used.