Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a rare type of lung cancer. It occurs more frequently among never-smokers, women and Asians.^[1]

By definition, BAC is not an invasive tumor. Therefore, pathologists classify it as a form of carcinoma in situ (CIS). However, unlike other forms of CIS, its behavior is malignant, often lethal. Major surgery, either a lobectomy or a pneumonectomy, is needed to control it, and recurrences are frequent. For this reason, oncologists classify it among the other malignant tumors, which are invasive tumors.

Classification

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is a sub-type of lung adenocarcinoma. However it is distinct from other lung adenocarcinomas by different clinical features, prognosis and response to treatment.^[2]

Additional images

<gallery>Image:Brochiolo-alveolar carcinoma with mucin production (1).jpg Image:Brochiolo-alveolar carcinoma with mucin production (2).jpg</gallery>

References

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