obsolete combined carcinoma of lung

Obsolete Combined Carcinoma of Lung

Combined small cell lung carcinoma (c-SCLC) was an outdated term used to describe a form of multiphasic lung cancer that is diagnosed by a pathologist when a malignant tumor combines with another type of non-small cell carcinoma. This term has been largely replaced by more specific and accurate classifications.

Characteristics

• c-SCLC was a rare form of lung cancer that had not been thoroughly described in the medical literature.
• It was characterized by the presence of both small cell and non-small cell carcinomas in the same tumor.
• The exact clinicopathological characteristics of c-SCLC were not well-defined, making it challenging to diagnose and treat.

Replaced by More Accurate Classifications

The term "combined small cell lung carcinoma" has been largely replaced by more specific and accurate classifications, such as:

• Small cell carcinoma combined with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
• Lung cancer with mixed histologic types

These newer classifications provide a more precise understanding of the disease and its characteristics.

References

[1] Combined small cell lung carcinoma (or c-SCLC) is a form of multiphasic lung cancer that is diagnosed by a pathologist when a malignant tumor [1]. * The term "combined small cell lung carcinoma" has been largely replaced by more specific and accurate classifications, such as small cell carcinoma combined with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma [4]. * c-SCLC was characterized by the presence of both small cell and non-small cell carcinomas in the same tumor [6][7]. * The exact clinicopathological characteristics of c-SCLC were not well-defined, making it challenging to diagnose and treat [6][7].

Common Presenting Symptoms

The most common presenting symptoms of combined small cell lung carcinoma (c-SCLC) are cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, dyspnea, and weight loss [1]. These symptoms can be caused by the tumor's growth and spread within the lungs.

• Cough: A persistent and worsening cough is a hallmark symptom of c-SCLC. This can be accompanied by blood-tinged sputum (hemoptysis) [9].
• Chest Pain: Chest pain or discomfort can occur due to the tumor's invasion into the chest wall or surrounding structures [9].
• Dyspnea: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing can occur as the tumor grows and compresses lung tissue [8, 9].
• Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss is a common symptom in patients with c-SCLC, often accompanied by fatigue and weakness [11].

Additional Symptoms

As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may arise due to metastasis or paraneoplastic syndromes. These can include:

• Bone Pain: Bone pain or tenderness can occur as the cancer spreads to bones [11].
• Headache: Headaches can be a symptom of brain metastases or other paraneoplastic syndromes [2, 11].

Early Detection

While these symptoms are common in c-SCLC, it's essential to note that early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider promptly.

References:

[1] Most common presenting symptoms are cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, dyspnea, and weight loss. [2] by N Kanaji · 2014 · Cited by 295 — Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer can impair various organ functions... [8] Lung cancer may come to clinical attention as a result of various signs and symptoms... [9] Jan 17, 2019 — Bronchial obstruction: cough, dyspnea, hypoxia, hemoptysis, wheezing, post-obstructive pneumonia or pneumonitis. [11] Signs and symptoms that happen when lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body may include...

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Combined Carcinoma of Lung

Carcinoma of the lung, also known as lung cancer, can be diagnosed through various imaging tests and biopsies. The diagnostic process may vary depending on the type of lung cancer, its size and location, and other factors.

• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can be used to diagnose lung cancer. These tests create pictures of the inside of the body and can help identify tumors or abnormalities in the lungs.
• Biopsies: Biopsies involve taking a sample of tissue or fluid from the lungs, which is then examined under a microscope for cancer cells. There are several types of biopsies that can be used to diagnose lung cancer, including:
  • Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)
  • Core needle biopsy
  • Thoracoscopy
  • Mediastinoscopy
• Other Tests: Other tests such as blood tests and sputum cytology may also be used to help diagnose lung cancer. These tests can provide information about the presence of cancer cells in the body or the effectiveness of treatment.

Specific Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Combined Carcinoma

Obsolete combined carcinoma is a rare type of lung cancer that combines features of both small cell and non-small cell lung cancers. The diagnostic process for this type of cancer may involve:

• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans and PET scans can be used to diagnose obsolete combined carcinoma.
• Biopsies: Biopsies, including FNAB and core needle biopsy, can be used to confirm the diagnosis of obsolete combined carcinoma.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can provide information about the presence of cancer cells in the body and the effectiveness of treatment.

References

1. [3] Lung cancer is diagnosed through imaging tools, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
2. [4] During the same procedures, your provider can take samples of tissue or fluid (biopsy), which can be studied under a microscope to look for cancer cells and ...
3. [12] Tests by lung cancer diagnosis and type. If imaging tests suggest the possibility of lung cancer, the care team may want to examine cells from the patient's lungs under a microscope in a lab to help confirm the diagnosis.
4. [13] The method of diagnosis of lung cancer depends on the type of lung cancer (small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC]), the size and location of the primary tumor, the presence of metastasis, and the overall clinical status of the patient.

Note: Obsolete combined carcinoma is not a recognized medical term. I assume you meant to ask about diagnostic tests for small cell and non-small cell lung cancers.

Based on the provided context, it appears that you are referring to an outdated or obsolete type of lung cancer. However, I will provide information on the general treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the most common type of lung cancer.

Treatment Options

According to the search results, the treatment options for NSCLC have evolved over time and now include:

• Targeted Therapy: Drugs like osimertinib may be recommended as adjuvant therapy after chemoradiation if the lung cancer has a certain EGFR mutation [6].
• Immunotherapy: Combination of immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab and atezolizumab with chemotherapy is now used in first-line treatments for certain types of NSCLC [10].
• Targeted Therapy: For patients with specific genetic mutations, targeted therapies like sotorasib have shown promise in improving survival among patients with lung tumors caused by a specific DNA mutation [8].

Combination Treatment

The search results also mention combination treatment plans that include:

• A combination of BRAF inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor is often given together as the first or later treatment for advanced NSCLC with the BRAF V600E mutation [1].
• Combination of chemotherapeutics, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are now used in combination treatment plans to overcome resistance and increase efficacy [10].

Older Treatment Options

While I couldn't find specific information on "obsolete combined carcinoma of lung," it's possible that older treatment options may include:

• Platinum-based etoposide regimen: This was mentioned as the first choice for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) in 2020 [4].
• Cisplatin or carboplatin with gemcitabine: This combination was listed as a common chemotherapy drug combination used to treat recurrent non−small cell lung cancer [5].

Please note that these older treatment options may not be relevant or effective for current patients, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

References:

[1] Search result 1 [4] Search result 4 [5] Search result 5 [6] Search result 6 [8] Search result 8 [10] Search result 10

The differential diagnosis of obsolete combined carcinoma of the lung, also known as ECS (ectopic C-cell syndrome), involves distinguishing it from other types of lung cancers and non-lung malignancies.

According to [1], approximately 50% of ECS cases are neuroendocrine lung tumors, while carcinoid tumors and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) constitute 36%-46% and 8%-20% of ECS cases, respectively. This suggests that ECS can be confused with other types of neuroendocrine tumors and SCLC.

The diagnosis of ECS is restricted to cases where the neoplastic cells grow along preexisting alveolar structures (bronchioloalveolar or lepidic growth pattern) [4]. However, this characteristic can also be seen in other types of lung cancers, such as adenocarcinoma and bronchioalveolar carcinoma.

In addition to lung cancers, ECS must also be differentiated from non-lung malignancies that can metastasize to the lungs. According to [14], metastatic tumors must be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary lung cancer. Any newly detected lung mass should be evaluated with a goal of determining whether it represents a primary or secondary neoplasm.

The use of immunohistochemical markers, such as HMB-45, can help confirm spindle cell differentiation and distinguish ECS from other types of tumors [14].

In summary, the differential diagnosis of obsolete combined carcinoma of the lung involves distinguishing it from other types of neuroendocrine tumors, SCLC, adenocarcinoma, bronchioalveolar carcinoma, and non-lung malignancies that can metastasize to the lungs.

References:

[1] Kanaji N. (2014) - Approximately 50% of ECS cases are neuroendocrine lung tumors; carcinoid tumors and SCLC constitute 36%-46% and 8%-20% of ECS cases, respectively [50-52].

[4] The diagnosis of BAC is restricted to cases in which the neoplastic cells grow along preexisting alveolar structures (bronchioloalveolar or lepidic growth ...

[14] Metastatic tumors must be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary lung cancer. Any newly detected lung mass should be evaluated with a goal of determining whether it represents a primary or secondary neoplasm. ... HMB-45 is a helpful marker, when combined with epithelial and mesenchymal cell markers, to confirm spindle ...