Open AccessALK ‐rearranged squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Author(s) -
Takanashi Yusuke,
Tajima Shogo,
Matsuura Shun,
Koyama Shin,
Takahashi Tsuyoshi,
Neyatani Hiroshi
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.115
Subject(s) - anaplastic lymphoma kinase , medicine , lung cancer , pathology , lung , carcinoma , biopsy , large cell , squamous cell carcinoma of the lung , gene rearrangement , h&e stain , radiology , immunohistochemistry , oncology , cancer , adenocarcinoma , biology , malignant pleural effusion , gene , biochemistry
The fusion gene echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4 ( EML 4)–anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK ) is identified in approximately 5% of non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients. A rare case of ALK ‐positive squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is reported. A 60‐year‐old man, an ex‐smoker with a 720‐packs‐per‐year tobacco smoking history, presented with a mass lesion in the upper lobe of the left lung on chest computed tomography. Transbronchial biopsy of the mass confirmed a diagnosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma, and it was proven to have ALK rearrangement by fluorescent in situ hybridization. The patient underwent left upper lobectomy. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the surgical specimen demonstrated the typical morphology of pure squamous cell carcinoma. The patient has been advised to attend regular check‐ups for postoperative recurrence. ALK testing and subsequent ALK ‐targeted treatment can be a possible option in cases of postoperative recurrence.