" Hello doctor, My cousin is 25 years old and was recently diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung, and we were surprised because he is quite young for this type of cancer. We are trying to better understand the disease. Please tell me, What is squamous cell carcinoma of the lung? How is it treated at age 25? Is treatment different in younger patients compared to older ones? Does this type of lung cancer respond well to chemotherapy or immunotherapy? Kindly help.

" Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and can understand your concern. Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of lung cancer that arises from the inner lining of the airways. It is more commonly seen in older individuals, so seeing it at 25 can feel surprising, but it does occur. In such cases, we usually evaluate carefully for any underlying risk factors or genetic tendencies. Your cousin’s treatment mainly depends on how early or advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis, rather than the age alone. The treatment options are as follows, If it is detected at an early stage and confined to one area, surgery to remove the affected part of the lung is often the preferred option, sometimes followed by additional treatment. If the disease is more widespread, then treatment is usually with medicines like chemotherapy , immunotherapy, or a combination, depending on specific reports. In younger patients, one positive aspect is that the body generally tolerates treatment better. This allows doctors to give treatment more effectively and safely compared to older individuals who may have other health issues. In the case of your cousin, the overall treatment approach remains similar, but outcomes can sometimes be better because of this improved tolerance. Regarding your cousin’s treatment response, squamous cell carcinoma does respond to chemotherapy in many cases. Immunotherapy has also become an important option in recent years, especially if certain markers are present, and many patients show meaningful benefit from it. I hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask further queries. Thank you.

At 25, can my cousin manage his lung squamous cell cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My cousin is 25 years old and was recently diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung, and we were surprised because he is quite young for this type of cancer. We are trying to better understand the disease. Please tell me,

What is squamous cell carcinoma of the lung?
How is it treated at age 25?
Is treatment different in younger patients compared to older ones?
Does this type of lung cancer respond well to chemotherapy or immunotherapy?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of lung cancer that arises from the inner lining of the airways. It is more commonly seen in older individuals, so seeing it at 25 can feel surprising, but it does occur. In such cases, we usually evaluate carefully for any underlying risk factors or genetic tendencies.

Your cousin’s treatment mainly depends on how early or advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis, rather than the age alone. The treatment options are as follows,

If it is detected at an early stage and confined to one area, surgery to remove the affected part of the lung is often the preferred option, sometimes followed by additional treatment.
If the disease is more widespread, then treatment is usually with medicines like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination, depending on specific reports.

In younger patients, one positive aspect is that the body generally tolerates treatment better. This allows doctors to give treatment more effectively and safely compared to older individuals who may have other health issues. In the case of your cousin, the overall treatment approach remains similar, but outcomes can sometimes be better because of this improved tolerance.

Regarding your cousin’s treatment response, squamous cell carcinoma does respond to chemotherapy in many cases. Immunotherapy has also become an important option in recent years, especially if certain markers are present, and many patients show meaningful benefit from it.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Was this conversation helpful?

Answered by Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team

April 21, 2026

April 24, 2026

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Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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