Bronchogenic squamous cell carcinomas with invasion along alveolar walls
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 3, 2026

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: February 27, 2026
K Nakanishi1, T Kawai, M Suzuki
1Department of Pathology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan.
Abstract:
In bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma, a growth pattern along the alveolar walls of the peripheral lung parenchyma is unusual. In order better to understand the way tumour cells invade the peripheral lung parenchyma, we studied two cases of squamous cell carcinoma with invasion along the alveolar walls (in 30% to 40% of the area surrounding the tumour). We used immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against pulmonary surfactant, apoproteins (PE-10) and collagen type IV, and electron microscopy. Tumour cells invading the peripheral lung tissue were located between one layer of type II alveolar epithelial cells and the basement membrane of the alveolar walls. These results suggest that the cells of a squamous carcinoma (unlike an adenocarcinoma) have the ability to spread along the basement membrane of the alveolar walls without destroying pre-existing normal peripheral lung parenchyma.
Related Concept Videos
Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
The Bronchial Tree
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation