What is Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Lung?
Papillary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is a rare type of squamous cell cancer of the lung. But it is 2nd most common type of lung cancer. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that are found in surface tissues of the skin, line the body cavities and tubular structures of the body, and these cells line the body’s airways and digestive tract. Single or multiple lesions of papillary squamous cell carcinoma directly attached to the airways (trachea and bronchi) cause obstruction of the air wayDisease Causes
There is no well-known cause, but several hereditary and genetic mutations are thought to be responsible for the development of papillary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. An association has also been observed between cigarette smoking and the development of clear cell squamous cell carcinoma lung. It is more common in males as compared to females.Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms depend on the extent and spread of the disease to other organs or parts of the body. If the cancer is limited to the lungs, the patient will only experience signs and symptoms of the respiratory system. At the same time, in cases where this cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the patient also experiences B symptoms of cancer.General Respiratory Symptoms of Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung
- Persistent cough
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing)
- Chest pain that worsens with coughing, laughing and breathing deeply
- Coughing up blood
- Wheezing without having an asthma history
- Clubbing of the fingers and nails (A physical sign characterized by a bulging extension at the ends of one or more fingers or toes).
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Bone pains
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are;- Imaging techniques like Chest X-ray, CT-scan, MRI, and PET scan to see the site, size, and extent of the tumour.
- Tumour biopsy ( lung tumour biopsy to remove a small sample of lung tissue for histopathological examination)
- Sputum cytology
- USG-guided fine needle aspiration cytology