Adenosquamous Cell Lung Cancer Stage 0
Adenosquamous cell lung cancer stage 0 is a very early form of a rare lung cancer that combines features of two different cancer types, found only in the top lining of the lung before it has spread anywhere else.
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What is adenosquamous cell lung cancer?
Adenosquamous cell lung cancer is a rare type of non-small cell lung cancer (a general category that includes most lung cancers). This cancer is special because it contains two different types of cancer cells mixed together: cells from adenocarcinoma (cancer that starts in cells that make mucus and other substances) and cells from squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that starts in flat cells lining the airways).[1][2]
Although adenosquamous carcinoma has characteristics of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is not simply a combination of these two cancers. It has its own unique biological features that make it different from either cancer type alone.[4]
adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung, ASC
- Lungs
- Airways (bronchi or bronchioles)
- Air sacs (alveoli)
Understanding stage 0
Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ, which means “cancer in place.” At this stage, the cancer is found only in the top lining of the lung or the airways. It has not spread to other parts of the lung or outside of the lung.[1][9]
Stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer is rarely found, meaning it is not commonly diagnosed at this very early stage.[11] This is the earliest possible stage of lung cancer, before it has had a chance to grow deeper into lung tissue or spread to other areas.
When lung cancer is found at stage 0, especially in the lining of the airway tubes or air sacs, it represents the best opportunity for successful treatment because the cancer is so limited in its extent.[1]
Treatment approaches
Treatment for stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer depends on where the cancer is located within the lung. If the cancer is found in the outer tissues of the lung and you are healthy enough for surgery, surgical removal is the standard treatment. A procedure called a wedge or segmental resection removes the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue around it.[11]
For stage 0 tumors found in the lining of the airway tubes or air sacs, doctors typically use special procedures called endobronchial therapies. These are the standard treatment for tumors in these locations. Treatment options include electrocautery (using heat to destroy cancer cells), cryosurgery (using extreme cold to freeze cancer cells), and photodynamic therapy (using light-activated drugs to kill cancer cells).[11]
If you have poor lung function and cannot safely have surgery, doctors may recommend stereotactic body radiation therapy. This is a focused form of radiation treatment used for people who are not candidates for surgical procedures.[11]
