Progress in Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer Associated with Cystic Airspaces

Abstract

Lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces (LCCA) is a type of lung cancer characterized by the presence of cystic cavities in or around the tumor on imaging. Due to its high potential for misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis, the prognosis of LCCA patients is poor, necessitating further large-scale clinical studies to elucidate its characteristics. Currently, four imaging classification systems exist, and there has been a progressive increase in attention towards LCCA, particularly with regard to the study of its imaging features. The results indicate a correlation between the pathological features and imaging findings of LCCA; however, research on driver gene mutations and molecular subtyping associated with lung cancer remains insufficient. Due to the challenges associated with early diagnosis and the poorer prognosis compared to general types of lung cancer, this paper comprehensively reviews the research progress on LCCA, including its definition, etiology, pathogenesis, imaging features, histological and pathological features, treatment, and prognosis, aiming to serve as a valuable resource for clinical decision-making.

Keywords

• lung neoplasms
• lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces
• pathogenesis
• early diagnosis
• image characteristics
• clinicopathological features
• prognosis