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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 32(1): 052-061
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1272869
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma

Douglas Arenberg1
  • 1Division of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 April 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This review focuses on aspects of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) in which it differs importantly from other forms of non-small-cell lung cancer. BAC is a form of adenocarcinoma with unique clinical, radiological, and epidemiological features. With the notable exception of a lower likelihood of a positive positron-emission tomographic (PET) scan in BAC, staging, diagnosis, and treatment are largely the same as for other histological subtypes of lung cancer. However, additional treatment options exist that are equivalent, if not more effective, for many patients with BAC. The diagnosis of BAC should be reserved for those tumors meeting the 1999/2004 criteria set forth by the World Health Organization. Revised nomenclature proposed by an expert consensus panel may change how this disease is viewed. Additional clinical trials are needed on patients with BAC, employing strict definitions and enrollment criteria to allow the results to be applied to appropriate patient populations.

KEYWORDS

Bronchioloalveolar - ground-glass opacity - limited resection - erlotinib

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Douglas ArenbergM.D. 

Division of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School

6301 MSRB III SPC 5642, 1150 West Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Email: darenber@umich.edu