Introduction
Adenosquamous carcinoma is classified under non-small cell lung carcinoma. It is the second most common cancer. The cancer cells originate from the alveolar (air sacs) lining of the lungs. It spreads to the outer lining of the lungs. The severity of adenosquamous carcinoma depends on the tumor size, the origin of cancer cells, and metastasis (invasion) to other tissue.
What Are the Various Symptoms of Adenosquamous Carcinoma?
The tumor does not show any symptoms at the earlier stages. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms are present;
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Cough - The symptoms of cough extend from weeks to months. If it lasts for more than eight weeks, it is suggestive of lung cancer. It is due to the irritation in the upper respiratory tract by cancer cells.
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Sputum With Blood - The mucus gets mixed with the blood and is expelled out during cough. Few people have streaks of bloodstains in the mucus. It appears rust-colored.
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Breathing Difficulty - The patient strains to breathe normally. There is a shortness of breath, and the patient experiences a tightened sense in the chest. The patient is not satisfied with the inhalation, so they gasp for breath frequently.
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Wheezing - The inflammation of the airways produces a whistling sound during breathing.
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Hoarseness - The irritation of the airways produces a sore throat and breaks the normal voice into a hoarse voice.
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Weight Loss - The cancer cells interrupt the metabolism of the body and make the person lose weight unintentionally. The patient has a loss of appetite along with slight discomfort in the abdominal region.
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Fatigue - The patient affected by adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung loses energy and often feels tired. It makes the person depressed and unable to fall asleep.
What Are the Causes of Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Lungs?
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Genetic Inheritance - Genetic inheritance is the genes acquired from the family. It affects normal cell growth. As a result, the cancer cells proliferate and damage the lung tissue.
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Smoking - Smoking is the major cause of adenosquamous carcinoma of the lungs.
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Metastasis - Cancer cells proliferate from one organ to another. A lung tumor may be due to the metastasis of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or prostate cancer.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Lungs?
The risk of adenosquamous carcinoma in the lungs is influenced by various risk factors. They are as follows;
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Tobacco - Tobacco smoke-induced during smoking or vapes contains more than 70 harmful chemicals. It increases the risk of lung cancer. Many people consider second-hand smoking a safe method. It is equally risky as smoking.
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Family History - Lung cancer is also found in a person without smoking due to a family history of adenosquamous lung carcinoma.
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Age and Gender - Elder people are more prone to lung cancer. Both males and females are affected. Adenosquamous carcinoma affects people above 65 years of age.
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Occupation - The people working in the industries are exposed to the chemicals like silica, asbestos, and heavy metals. The exhaust fumes produced by diesel are harmful.
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Radiation - Frequent radiation exposure for the treatment of organs located in the chest may cause adenosquamous carcinoma in the lungs.
How Is Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Lung Diagnosed?
The past medical history is used as an adjunct during the diagnosis of adenosquamous carcinoma of the lungs. The tests taken for diagnosis are as follows;
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Blood Test - It is a common test used to identify the level of white blood cells in the body. Also, the blood glucose level is examined.
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Chest X-Rays - The change in the shape of the lungs is observed using X-rays. It also detects the presence of mucus in the pleural space.
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CT (Computed Tomography) Scan - The two-dimensional image of the lungs can be obtained in different sections using computed tomography (CT) scan. The proliferation of cancer tissue in the lungs can be observed.
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Cytology - The sample obtained from the mucus is observed under a microscope to identify the cancer cells.
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Biopsy - The lung tissue affected by the cancer cells is removed and sent for examination. The changes in protein or genetic anomalies are examined with the help of the biopsied lung tissue.
How Are the Stages of Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Lung Determined?
The stages of adenosquamous carcinoma are evaluated based on the three criteria. They are as follows;
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A Tumor (T) - It is evaluated based on the size of the lung tissue affected by cancer cells.
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Lymph Node (N) - The enlargement of the nearby lymph nodes due to the adenosquamous carcinoma of the lungs is evaluated.
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Metastasis (M) - The cancer cells that invade other parts of the body like bone, liver, and kidneys are diagnosed.
What Are the Various Treatment Methods for Adenosquamous Carcinoma?
The treatment method varies depending on the extent of the tumor. They are as follows;
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Surgery - The portion of the lung affected by adenosquamous carcinoma is removed during the surgery. The tools for removing the tissue are directed with the help of computed tomography. Metastasis affects the adjacent lymph nodes. Those lymph nodes are also removed during the surgery.
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Radiation Therapy - If surgery cannot be done due to other systemic conditions or age factors, then radiation therapy is given. The growth and proliferation of the tumor cells are inhibited with radiation.
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Chemotherapy - Anticancer medications are given either after radiation therapy or before surgery to shrink the cancerous lung tissue. Certain medications include monoclonal antibodies like Bevacizumab and kinase inhibitors like Erlotinib and Trametinib. The immunity booster drugs are Nivolumab and Durvalumab. This immunotherapy is considered the most effective treatment.
Conclusion
The breathing ability of the lungs and vital signs are observed by the physician after the surgery. The prognosis of adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung is better if treated at the initial stages. The symptoms associated with respiratory infections must be carefully observed. Consult the medical professional if there are symptoms like coughing with blood.
