Study of non-small cell lung cancer in cytology and correlation with clinicopathological parameters

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer related mortality. Various methods for cytological diagnosis like fine needle aspiration (FNA) along with exfoliative cytology by bronchial brushings play a pivotal role in the diagnosis as well as categorization of Non small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC); especially in advanced stages and cases where biopsy may not be feasible. Aims & Objectives: The aim of the study was diagnosis and subclassification of Non small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) from cytosmears of bronchial brushings and Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples followed by histopathological and clinicopathological correlation. Materials and Methods: The present study is both prospective & retrospective study done in Department of Pathology for a period of 2 years (September 2018-September 2020). A total of 46 cases were included in the study group. Categorization of lung cancer was done based upon the 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria of cytodiagnosis. Histological correlation was done wherever available. Correlation with clinicopathological parameters was also done. Results: Total 46 patients were included in the study. The age range of was 32-81 years with a mean age of 59.2years. Male to female ratio was 2. 06:1. Smokers were affected in 26 cases (56.52%). The incidence of Adenocarcinoma (ADC) was commonest in our study comprising of 15 cases (32.61%). This was followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 11 cases (23.91%), NSCLC-favours ADC in 8 cases (17.39%), NSCLC-NOS in 4 cases (8.70%), suspicious of malignancy in 3 cases (6.52%) and 2 cases (4.35%) each of NSCLC favours SCC & atypical and one case (2.17%) of ADC-lepidic pattern. Cytohistological correlation was possible in 25 core biopsy cases with 68% concordance. Conclusion: Cytological techniques are safer, economical and provide quick results. But a comprehensive clinicopathological approach is needed for labelling a correct diagnosis.