Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer found in non-smokers and is usually seen as a peripheral lesion in the lungs. In the past several years, many genetic and environmental factors have been identified as causative factors for lung cancer. Individual susceptibility, active smoking, radon exposure, exposure to high pollution levels, asbestos exposure, occupational or environmental exposure to particular agents, and carcinogens contribute to the development of adenocarcinoma of the lung. Hydrocarbons cause damage to the DNA and form DNA adducts. Genes involved in the pathogenesis of adenocarcinoma of the lung include EGFR, HER2, KRAS, ALK, and BRAF. On gross pathology, peripheral multifocal single or multiple solid firm yellow-white nodule or mass which may invade into the pleura and cause pleural retraction/puckering. Adenocarcinoma usually does not form a cavitary lesion. It may present as a diffuse pleural thickening resembling malignant mesothelioma. On microscopic histopathological analysis, nuclear atypia, eccentrically placed nuclei, abundant cytoplasm, and conspicuous nucleoli are characteristic findings of adenocarcinoma of the lung.
Adenocarcinoma of the lung pathophysiology
Small cell carcinoma of the lung pathophysiology
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung pathophysiology
Large cell carcinoma of the lung pathophysiology
Lung mass pathophysiology
Mesothelioma risk factors
Adenocarcinoma of the lung causes
Adenocarcinoma of the lung risk factors