Epidermoid carcinoma, also known as squamous cell carcinoma, is accountable for 25 to 30 percent of all primary lung cancers. One of three main types of cancer known as non-small cell carcinomas, the disease typically originates in the central area of the lung, either in one of the main bronchi or in a major lobe.

Epidermoid lung tumors characteristically are comprised of cells that are flat and scale-like. Often they do not metastasize as quickly as other lung cancers, which makes them easier to treat if detected early. When metastases do occur, they typically invade the tissues of the liver, brain, small intestines, adrenal glands, and bones.

Some of the typical early signs of the lung epidermoid carcinoma include a cough that will not go away, coughing up blood or mucus, fatigue, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Many other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, swelling of the face or upper body extremities, chest, shoulder, or arm pain, and neurological problems, including confusion and seizures, may also develop and are responsible for bringing many cases to the attention of a medical professional.

Smoking is the number one cause of epidermoid carcinoma of the lung, and in fact, is directly linked to approximately 87 percent of all lung cancers. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of different chemicals, including many substances known to be carcinogens, and avoiding smoking is considered the best way to reduce one’s chances of developing lung cancer. Those cases that are not linked to smoking are usually associated with environmental exposure to the radioactive gas radon or secondhand tobacco smoke.

Epidermoid carcinomas and other lung cancers are generally treated surgically whenever possible. Yet, even when a tumor is successfully removed, recurrence of the cancer is relatively common. Consequently, chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments may be used following surgery to decrease the likelihood that tumors will return. These forms of therapy are also used for individuals who are considered medically unfit to undergo surgery and can slow the growth of tumors or shrink them even when a cure is not possible.

Lung Epidermoid Carcinoma at 10x Magnification - Due to their common central location in the lung, epidermoid carcinomas often cause symptoms before adenocarcinomas and other cancers that usually affect the lung's periphery.

Lung Epidermoid Carcinoma at 40x Magnification - Having one or more relatives with lung cancer and contact with certain cancer-causing materials, such as asbestos, are known risk factors for lung epidermoid carcinoma.

Lung Epidermoid Carcinoma at 20x Magnification - The overall prognosis for patients with epidermoid carcinoma is rather bleak, the five-year survival rate being approximately 15 percent.

Lung Epidermoid Carcinoma at 10x Magnification - If diagnosed and treated early on, the outlook for individuals with lung epidermoid carcinoma is much better than for the average patient, with a survival rate of nearly 50 percent.