Which histologic subtype is central and commonly associated with surgical management?

• A. Adenocarcinoma
• B. Large cell carcinoma
• C. Squamous cell carcinoma
• D. Small cell carcinoma

Answer: (C)

Central tumors of the lung arise from the larger airways and are often squamous cell carcinoma, which originates in the bronchial epithelium and forms a central, hilar mass that can obstruct airways. When detected early and without distant spread, this type is particularly amenable to definitive surgical removal, such as a lobectomy or pneumonectomy, with lymph node assessment offering a potential cure. Other histologies tend to be peripheral in location and less suitable for surgical cure in early stages, or, like small cell carcinoma, are highly aggressive with systemic spread and are treated primarily with chemotherapy and radiation rather than surgery. So the histologic subtype most characteristically central and linked to surgical management is squamous cell carcinoma.