What is squamous cell carcinoma metastatic NSCLC?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that accounts for roughly 30 percent of all lung cancers. When it becomes metastatic, it means the cancer has spread beyond the lungs to other parts of the body.
About squamous cell carcinoma:
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What is squamous cell carcinoma metastatic NSCLC?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that accounts for roughly 30 percent of all lung cancers. When it becomes metastatic, it means the cancer has spread beyond the lungs to other parts of the body.
About squamous cell carcinoma:
In this type of cancer, the disease forms in squamous cells—flat, thin cells that look like fish scales under a microscope. These tumors typically develop in the central part of the lung or in the main airways (bronchi) and are strongly associated with cigarette smoking.
What metastatic means:
When squamous cell lung cancer reaches stage 4, it has metastasized. This means cancer cells have spread through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to distant organs. Common sites include:
- Brain
- Bones
- Liver
- Adrenal glands
- Other lung
- Distant lymph nodes
Even though the cancer is present in other organs, it's still considered lung cancer because the cells originated in the lungs.
Treatment approach:
At this advanced stage, treatment typically focuses on managing the disease, slowing growth, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life. Options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or clinical trials.
January 18
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