Large Cell Carcinoma Overview: Everything You Should Know

What is Large Cell Carcinoma?

Large cell carcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These cancers get their name from the appearance of cancer cells under a microscope because these are large and are abnormal. Many experts suggest that these cancer cells often lack the distinct characteristics that appear in the other lung cancer types. 

Unlike adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma is considered a diagnosis of exclusion; in simpler terms, it's identified when the cancer doesn’t clearly fit into other categories. While these often affect the lungs, large cell carcinoma can develop in some rare cases, often developing in other organs.

Causes and Risk factors

The primary risk factors for large cell carcinoma are those similar to those of other lung cancers. 

Major risk factors, including:

• Smoking (the significant risk factor)
• Secondhand smoke exposure
• Occupational exposures to asbestos, radon, or industrial chemicals
• Air pollution
• Family history of lung cancer
• Previous radiation therapy to the chest

While smoking cigarettes is considered the leading cause of developing lung cancers. It’s important to note that non-smokers can also develop large cell carcinoma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing large cell carcinoma involves a combination of imaging tests, tissue analysis, and specialized medical evaluations to identify the cancer and help to identify its extent in suspected patients.

Diagnosing Large cell carcinoma usually involves multiple steps, including:

• Imaging tests
• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• PET Scan
• MRI (in certain cases): These tests help to detect tumors and assess whether the cancer has spread in the bodies. 
• Biopsy: A tissue sample is required to confirm the diagnosis, these often obtained through:
• Bronchoscopy
• Needle biopsy
• Surgical biopsy

In most cases, pathologists examine the sample under a microscope to identify the cancer type.

Molecular and genetic testing: In some cases, tumors are tested for genetic mutations, which can guide targeted therapy treatment decisions.

Treatments

Treatments for these types of cancer mainly depend on the stage of the cancer, overall health conditions, and specific tumor characteristics. 

The treatments may include:

Surgery:

These treatments are often recommended for an early-stage of this cancer. These treatments aim to remove the tumor and affected lung tissues in affected individuals.

Chemotherapy:

These treatments are often used before or after cancer surgery. These treatments are generally used in advanced stages of cancer.

Radiation therapy:

These treatments are used when surgery isn’t possible in patients. Performing these treatments helps to relieve the symptoms in the advanced stage of cancer.

Targeted therapy:

These treatments generally work on specific genetic changes in cancer cells. These treatments are effective for patients with certain mutations. 

Immunotherapy:

These treatments help the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. These treatments are increasingly used in advanced non-small cell lung cancers.

Most cancer patients receive a combination of treatments rather than just one treatment approach.

Is Large cell carcinoma be prevented

There is no guaranteed way to prevent the development of large cell carcinoma in people, but certain lifestyle choices and environmental precautions can significantly reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Understanding these factors that contribute to this cancer helps individuals to take proactive steps forward in protecting their lung health and identifying the problems early. 

While not all cases are preventable, risk can be reduced by:

• Avoiding the use of tobacco and smoking cigarettes
• Limiting the exposure to environmental toxins
• Practising regular health check-ups (if you are at high risk of developing this condition)