What is squamous cell carcinoma of the lung?

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is a form of cancer that affect the lungs. Abnormal multiplication of lung cells causes the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Severe cases may cause the cells to spread to the other parts of the body, such as:

• The brain

• Bones

• Lymph nodes

• Adrenal glands

• Liver

Lung cancer is widely categorised into two- small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is categorised under non-small cell lung cancer.

What are the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung?

It may not show symptoms during the early stages. Some of the commonly seen symptoms:

• Discomfort when swallowing

• Coughing up blood or mucus

• Wheezing

• Hoarseness

• High levels of calcium in the blood

• A cough that doesn’t go away

• Fatigue

• Chest pain

• Poor appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

• Shortness of breath

• Fever

If the condition is spread to the brain, the patient may experience symptoms like seizures and headache.

How is squamous cell carcinoma of the lung diagnosed?

The doctor will suggest the following test after a thorough physical examination and medical history analysis:

• Biopsy

• Sputum sample test

• Mediastinoscopy

• Bronchoscopy

• Bone scan

• CT scan

• Thoracentesis

• Fine-needle aspiration

• Video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery

How is squamous cell carcinoma of the lung treated?

Based on the severity of the condition, the patient’s health status and lung function, the doctor will choose the treatment option. If the cancer is not spread to other parts of the body, the doctor may prescribe the following surgeries:

• Lobectomy

• Wedge resection

• Pneumonectomy

Video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery will be used to remove small, early-stage tumors. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy may not be effective for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. A targeted therapy may be useful to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.