Definition – What is squamous cell carcinoma of the lung?
A cancer of the lung is generally referred to as bronchial carcinoma among medical professionals. However, these differ in the tissue type of the cancer. Adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas of the lung are frequent.
An adenocarcinoma is a cancer that has developed from glandular tissue. Squamous epithelium describes the uppermost cell layer that closes off the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. From this layer a cancer can also develop.
Whether it is really a squamous cell carcinoma in the lung can only be determined by examining cancer cells under the microscope. Before starting the following article, you can first have a look at the structure of the squamous cell carcinoma and the main page of the lung cancer to get some general information.
- What is an epithelium?
- Squamous cell carcinoma – How dangerous is it?
- Lung cancer – You should know!
Course of disease in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
The course of the disease varies greatly from individual to individual, as it depends on other factors in addition to the stage of the tumor. One of these factors is, for example, the response to therapy. It is also very important whether the planned therapy is well tolerated.
In some cases, for example, chemotherapy is so poorly tolerated that it must be discontinued. Age and other physical conditions also play a role in the course of the disease. As the cancer progresses, the tumor robs the body of more and more strength. In addition, the function of the lungs is restricted, resulting in increasing breathing difficulties.
Prognosis – This is the survival rate/chance of cure for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
In general, it can be said that the chances of cure for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung are rather poor compared to some other cancers. A main reason for this is that lung cancer is usually detected very late, as symptoms hardly ever occur for a long time. Individually, however, the chances of cure can be quite different – for example, if the tumor is operable, the therapies are well tolerated and the treatments are very successful.
A very important criterion for the chances of recovery is the stage of the disease. The smaller the stage, the better the chances of survival. Among men, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death. However, many lung cancers could be avoided if people smoked less. On our main page “Prognosis of lung cancer” you can find this information in more detail.
