Histological Features of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma According to Radiological Early-Phase Progression Patterns

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) previously identified five radiological patterns of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) precursor lesions.
• Understanding the histological basis of these patterns is crucial for elucidating SqCC developmental pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To histologically analyze SqCC precursor lesions identified by CT.
• To correlate radiological progression patterns with distinct histological features.
• To investigate potential tumor evolutional pathways in SqCC.

Main Methods:

• Histological analysis of 61 SqCC precursor lesion cases previously categorized by CT.
• Evaluation of specific histological features including tumor infiltration, mitotic activity, growth patterns, and stromal changes.
• Correlation of histological findings with radiological patterns and patient survival data.

Main Results:

• Endobronchial precursor patterns involved large bronchi; subsolid nodule patterns showed intra-alveolar infiltration and lepidic growth.
• Cyst wall thickening patterns presented with subpleural papillary growth; multiple nodule patterns exhibited elastofibrous collapse.
• Radiological patterns reflected histological features, with subsolid and multiple nodule groups corresponding to peripheral SqCC.

Conclusions:

• Radiological progression patterns of SqCC precursor lesions are mirrored by distinct histological characteristics.
• This study provides insights into SqCC tumor evolution by integrating temporal radiographic changes with histological data.
• The findings highlight unique features of subsolid and multiple nodule groups, suggesting peripheral SqCC origins.