Lung mass pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
A lung mass is defined as an opacity in the lungs that is more than 3 cms (or 1 ½ inches) in size. Lung opacity less than 3 cms are classified as lung nodules.
Pathophysiology
Genetics
EGFR mutations are seen in about 20%- 50% of lung adenocarcinoma (especially in Asian population)
- EGFR mutations are responsible for the constitutive activation of the tyrosine kinase.
- The most frequent mutations are present in exons 18e21 of the EGFR gene.
- Other mutation involves translocations involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase are most frequently EML4-ALK fusions and are seen in estimated 10% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.