What is Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Lung?
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung (MAL) is a rare form of lung cancer marked by the cancer cells’ production of excessive mucus. Because of its unique features, it was formerly called mucinous bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.
It is a rare cancer and accounts for 2-5% of all adenocarcinomas of the lung. It is slightly more common in women, but can also develop in men.
Causes
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung (MAL) has no well-known cause, but it has some risk factors in common with other lung cancers. While smoking is a significant risk factor, non-smokers are also susceptible to MAL, Particularly if they have a history of exposure to environmental toxins or long-term lung conditions.
Genetic alterations particularly mutation in the KRAS gene are a potential contributor to the development of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung.
Signs and Symptoms
MAL symptoms can be nonspecific and may resemble those of other lung conditions. Typical symptoms consist of:
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Cough with mucus or phlegm
- Repeated respiratory tract infections
MAL can occasionally go unnoticed as it does not show any signs and symptoms and can only be discovered while doing imaging tests for other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung involves multistep diagnosis:
Imaging Techniques: High-resolution CT scans are used to identify the signs of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung, such as ground-glass opacities or nodules are the signs of this type of cancer.
Histopathology: The presence of mucus-producing cells is a key characteristic of mucinous adenocarcinomas of the lung.
Molecular Testing: A genetic mutation can be detected through molecular testing. When a specific mutation like KRAS is found, the diagnosis is confirmed.
Treatment
In the early stages of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung, surgery is the main treatment, often involving removal of part or all of a lung lobe. For advanced stages, treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted immunotherapy.
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