What is the Treatment for Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma?

How Is Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma Treated? A Complete Guide 

Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma (BAC) is a distinct type of lung cancer. Under the spectrum of lung adenocarcinoma, it is categorized as "adenocarcinoma in situ" or "minimally invasive adenocarcinoma." In contrast to other lung cancers, BAC usually develops as a small, peripheral lung tumor and mainly affects non-smokers, especially middle-aged women.

It is characterized by its slow growth and unique way of spreading along the airways instead of via the lymphatic or blood systems. The initial sign of BAC can be a single nodule or several lesions, occasionally affecting both lungs.

Since BAC is treated differently from other forms of lung cancer and has a different prognosis, early and precise diagnosis is crucial. Keep reading to learn more about its treatment process.

What are the Treatment Methods for Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma (BAC)?

The following are the treatment methods for bronchioalveolar carcinoma:

Surgery

The primary and effective treatment for BAC is surgery, particularly if the cancer is localized. Procedures include lobectomy (removal of a whole lobe), wedge resection (removal of a small portion of the lung), and, in more severe cases, pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung).

The best chance for long-term survival and a possible cure is complete surgical removal.

Targeted Therapy

BAC has shown responsiveness to targeted therapies, drugs designed to attack specific genetic mutations within the cancer cells. Genetic testing of the tumor is often recommended to determine eligibility for these treatments. Targeted therapies can be particularly effective in advanced or recurrent cases.

Chemotherapy and Radiation

These treatments are generally reserved for cases where surgery is not possible or the disease has spread. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with radiation to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms.

Lung Transplantation

In rare, severe cases where BAC is widespread, and other treatments have failed, lung transplantation has been explored as a last-resort option.

Immunotherapy

Although less commonly used for BAC, immunotherapy drugs stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. As research progresses, these may become more relevant treatment methods.

What are the Different Types of Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma?

BAC is classified based on its cellular and histological characteristics:

1. Mucinous BAC

This type produces mucus and often appears to be widespread, diffuse lesions in the lungs. This type tends to have a higher risk of recurrence and a less favorable prognosis.

2. Non-mucinous BAC

This type does not produce mucus and is usually presented as a single, localized nodule. This type is associated with better survival outcomes.

3. Mixed BAC

It includes features of both mucinous and non-mucinous types. The prognosis varies depending on the predominant cell type.

What Causes Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma?

The exact cause of BAC is not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified, including the following:

• Smoking: While BAC is more common in non-smokers compared to other lung cancers, smoking remains a significant risk factor.
• Scarring in the Lungs: The "scar cancer" theory suggests that BAC can develop in areas of previous lung inflammation or scarring, such as tuberculosis or other infections.
• Genetic Factors: Mutations in certain genes may increase susceptibility, and genetic testing is often recommended for targeted therapy decisions.

Environmental exposures and chronic lung diseases may also play a role in the development of BAC.

What are the Symptoms of Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma?

BAC can be challenging to identify because its symptoms resemble other lung conditions. Some common signs of bronchioalveolar carcinoma are as follows:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Coughing up mucus, sometimes blood-tinged
• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss

In many cases, BAC is discovered incidentally during imaging studies for unrelated reasons. Because BAC can spread along the airways without forming a distinct mass, it may be mistaken for pneumonia or other lung diseases.

What are the Diagnostic Procedures for Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma?

Here are some of the diagnostic procedures for bronchioalveolar carcinoma:

Imaging

Chest X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans detect lung nodules or infiltrates. BAC may appear as a solitary nodule, multiple nodules, or diffuse opacities.

Bronchoscopy

In this process, a thin tube is inserted into the airways to visualize the lungs and collect tissue samples.

Biopsy

Obtaining a sample of lung tissue is essential for definitive diagnosis. This can be done via bronchoscopy, CT-guided needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy.

Can Lung Carcinoma Be Cured?

The patient's general health and the stage of the cancer determine the curability of bronchioalveolar carcinoma. Surgical removal offers a very high chance of a cure when BAC is discovered early as a single, localized tumor. A single BAC lesion can be surgically removed with almost a ~70-85% 5-year survival rate and very little chance of recurrence.

BAC has a significantly higher overall five-year survival rate than other forms of lung cancer, ranging from 48% to 69% following surgery. Women usually have even higher survival rates than men. The prognosis is less favorable if the disease is more advanced, has spread, or has multiple lesions.

In such cases, treatment focuses on controlling the disease and improving quality of life rather than achieving a complete cure.

Early and accurate diagnosis is necessary to adopt the best treatment approach and improve outcomes for patients with BAC. Individuals suffering from such medical conditions must get health insurance policies from reputable providers.

At Star Health, we offer comprehensive coverage for various disease and their treatments under our general insurance plans. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.