Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma 

Lung Cancer is one of the leading cause of death in both men and women

4 main types account for over 90% of Lung Cancers

1.  Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma
2.  Lung Adenocarcinoma
3.  Large Cell Lung Carcinoma
4.  Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma occurs in approximately 30% of the cases of Lung Cancer

Typically located as a mass that initiates near the bronchus.

Associated findings seen are cavitation and necrosis.

Is often associated with coughing of blood (Hemoptysis)

Can be diagnosed by analyzing the sputum of an individual

Can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis) such as lymph nodes

Symptoms:
   -    Cough
   -    Sputum [Blood and/or mucus]
   -    Shortness of Breath
   -    Wheezing
   -    Dyspnea
   -    Weight Loss
   -    Fatigue
   -    Loss of appetite
   -    Difficulty swallowing   [Dysphagia]
   -    Asthenia  -  lack or loss of strength, weakness
   -    Seizures
   -    Change in voice
   -    Nausea
   -    Headache

Treatment:

Is unlikely without resection – but not all individuals can handle surgery

Stage I and II – surgery is a possibility

Stage IIIA has very limited success with surgery alone

Stage IIIB requires combo of chemotherapy and radiation

Stage IV is palliative or symptom therapy with little shown success with regards to curative

Chemotherapy:
·         Cisplatin   (Platinol)
·         Camptosar
·         Camptothecin
·         Carboplatin  (Paraplatin)
·         Epirubicin
·         Etoposide
·         Taxol   (Paclitaxal)
·         Topotecan   (Hycamtin)