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Pulmonary giant cell carcinoma: pathological entity or morphological phenotype?
R L Attanoos1, A Papagiannis, P Suttinont
1Department of Histopathology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
Histopathology
|May 6, 1998
Summary
Giant cell carcinoma of the lung is not a distinct entity but a varied phenotype. The presence of tumor giant cells does not necessarily indicate a more aggressive lung cancer.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Pathology
- Oncology
- Cancer Morphology
Background:
- Giant cell carcinoma (GCC) is a rare lung malignancy.
- Understanding its morphological spectrum and clinical significance is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the morphological spectrum and clinical significance of giant cell carcinoma.
- To assess the frequency of tumor giant cell production in primary lung tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 46 GCC cases over 12 years.
- Examination of associated differentiation patterns (clear cell, spindle cell, trophoblastic).
- Assessment of tumor giant cell presence in 200 non-small cell lung carcinomas.
Main Results:
- GCC frequently showed clear cell (57%), spindle cell (34%), and trophoblastic (26%) differentiation.
- Pure GCC was rare (11%).
- Median survival for GCC was 18 months, unaffected by giant cell extent or trophoblastic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Giant cell carcinoma is a morphological phenotype, not a distinct entity.
- Tumor giant cells alone do not signify a more aggressive lung cancer.
- Consider 'pleomorphic' or 'anaplastic' carcinoma for tumors with diverse features.