Question

An elderly male is known as a smoker presented with chronic cough, significant weight loss, and fatigue. Serum calcium level is raised. A lung biopsy was done, and it showed large atypical cells with hyperchromasia. What is the probable diagnosis?

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

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The clinical presentation suggests a strong likelihood for squamous cell carcinoma. Let's analyze the evidence:

• Patient Profile: Elderly male smoker. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
• Symptoms: Chronic cough, significant weight loss, and fatigue.
• Hypercalcemia: Elevated serum calcium is indicative of paraneoplastic syndromes, often associated with squamous cell carcinoma through the secretion of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP).
• Biopsy Findings: Large atypical cells with hyperchromasia are observed. While this can be found in various lung cancers, the other indicators like hypercalcemia and smoking history make squamous cell carcinoma more probable.

Considering these factors, squamous cell carcinoma is the most likely diagnosis.