Lung cancer subtypes
| Type | Location | Imaging features |
|---|---|---|
| Adenocarcinoma | peripheral | commonest overall; commonest in women, non‑smokers, scar carcinoma; spiculated nodule; spectrum AIS (pure ground glass, ≤ 3 cm) → MIA → invasive; invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (formerly mucinous BAC): consolidation with air bronchograms, CT angiogram sign, multifocal, may be FDG‑negative; EGFR/ALK targets |
| Squamous cell | central (~2/3) | most likely to cavitate (thick irregular wall); hilar mass, collapse (Golden S); hypercalcaemia (PTHrP) |
| Small‑cell | central, mediastinal nodes | fastest growing, worst prognosis; SVC obstruction, SIADH, ectopic ACTH, Lambert–Eaton; rarely cavitates |
| Large‑cell | peripheral | large mass |
| Carcinoid | central endobronchial (typical) | well defined, enhancing, calcification ~30%, post‑obstructive collapse; Ga‑68 DOTATATE avid; FDG low |
| Pancoast (superior sulcus) | apex | apical pleural thickening > 5 mm or asymmetry; rib/vertebral destruction; Horner's, C8–T1 pain/weakness; MRI for brachial plexus/spinal invasion |