Classic Anatomic Pathology and Lung Cancer

Identification of pathologic and cytologic features of the different histologic types of lung cancer is critical for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The role that pathologists play in lung cancer is critical, including provision of precise pathologic diagnosis and in proper handling of tissue and cytology samples for molecular testing. Strategic tissue management is crucial for ancillary analysis as well as histologic diagnosis. Diagnosis based on resected tumor as well as on small biopsy specimens or cytology samples is discussed in the major types of lung cancer. Although classification of the majority of lung cancers is straightforward, areas of controversy and diagnostic challenges remain. The current lung cancer classification is applicable to surgically resected tumors and small biopsy specimens. A summary of the current approach for the histologic classification of surgically resected tumors as described in the current lung cancer classification is provided.