🫁 Diseases of the Respiratory System

Pathology — Comprehensive Systematic Notes

Normal Anatomy §1 Pneumonia §2 COPD & Emphysema §3 Silicosis §4 Cor Pulmonale §5 NPC §5 Lung Ca
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Normal Anatomy & Histology of the Respiratory System

Foundation

1. Structural Overview

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Upper Respiratory TractNasal organ, pharynx, larynx (above cricoid cartilage)
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Lower Respiratory TractTrachea, bronchi, and lungs (below cricoid cartilage)
Nasal organ → Pharynx → Larynx

Trachea Conducting

L/R Bronchi → Bronchial tree

Bronchiole (<1 mm)

Terminal bronchiole (<0.5 mm)

Respiratory bronchioles Respiratory

Alveolar ducts → Alveolar sacs → Alveoli
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Key Concepts Lobule = unit supplied by a terminal bronchiole.   Acinus = basic functional/respiratory unit = cluster from respiratory bronchiole onward. The pulmonary acinus is where gas exchange happens.

2. Trachea — Histological Layers

Mucosa

Epithelium + Lamina propria

Submucosa

Connective tissue, glands

Cartilage

C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings

Adventitia

Outermost fibrous layer

Epithelial cells of the airway (Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium):

  • Ciliated cells — beat mucus toward pharynx
  • Goblet cells — secrete mucus
  • Basal cells — stem/progenitor cells
  • Small granular cells — neuroendocrine cells (important in small cell carcinoma)

3. Air-Blood Barrier

The ultimate site of gas exchange. Function: excrete CO₂ from blood and replenish O₂. Located in the alveolar wall.

4. Defense Mechanisms of the Respiratory Tract

  • Rhinothrix (nasal hairs) — physical baffle for large particles
  • Cilia-mucus transport system — mucociliary escalator; moves particles up
  • Local immunity — secretory IgA in respiratory secretions, complement (alexin), lysozyme
  • Alveolar macrophages — phagocytose particles/pathogens in alveoli
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Section 1 — Pneumonia

§ 1
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Classification By agent: bacterial, viral, fungal.
By distribution: Lobar pneumonia · Lobular (broncho)pneumonia · Interstitial pneumonia

A. Lobar Pneumonia

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EtiologyStreptococcus pneumoniae (most common). Predisposed by cold, fatigue.
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Typical PatientAdults 30–50 years, previously healthy.
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PathogenesisBacteria → proliferate in alveoli → capillary dilatation → serous exudates → spread via Kohn's pores → entire lobe involved.

Morphology — Type: Diffuse exudative (fibrinous) inflammation in alveoli. Involves a large portion or entire lobe.

Four Classical Pathological Stages:

Stage 1 · Day 1–2
Congestion
Diffuse serous inflammation. Lobe: heavy, dark red, boggy. Frothy red fluid squeezed out. Micro: vascular congestion, proteinaceous fluid, scattered neutrophils, many bacteria in alveoli.
Stage 2 · Day 3–4
Red Hepatization
Lobe: red, firm, liver-like. Alveoli packed with fibrin, red cells, neutrophils, bacteria. Interalveolar congestion persists. Pleura may show fibrinous exudate.
Stage 3 · Day 5–6
Gray Hepatization
Lobe: dry, gray, firm, liver-like. Congestion diminished. Alveoli distended with fibrin + many neutrophils but fewer bacteria. Capillaries appear compressed.
Stage 4 · After 1 week
Resolution
Favorable outcome. Consolidated exudate undergoes enzymatic degradation; macrophages clear debris. Normal structure restored.
⚠️
Why we rarely see all stages todayAntibiotic therapy interrupts the natural sequence.

Clinical Features:

  • Cough, fever, "rusty" sputum (hemosiderin from RBC degradation by macrophages)
  • Pleuritic pain and pleural friction rub (fibrinous exudate in visceral pleura)
  • Sudden onset with chills, dyspnea, chest pain, productive sputum

Complications:

  • Pulmonary carnification — failure to resolve; organized to brown flesh-like fibrous tissue (due to ↓ neutrophil proteinase or ↑ fibrin exudate)
  • Empyema (pus in pleural cavity)
  • Abscess formation
  • Septicemia / pyemia
  • Infectious (toxic) shock

B. Lobular Pneumonia (Bronchopneumonia)

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EtiologyPyogenic bacteria: staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci.
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Typical PatientChildren, elderly, debilitated (immunocompromised) patients.
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DistributionMultifocal, bilateral, basal lung predominance. Centered around small bronchi and bronchioles → hence "bronchopneumonia".

Pathological Changes:

  • Gross: lower lobes, dispersed elevated focal areas of consolidation and suppuration. Severe cases → confluent bronchopneumonia.
  • Microscopy (LM): suppurative, neutrophil-rich exudate fills bronchi, bronchioles, adjacent alveoli; walls show vascular congestion and edema; alveolar spaces show proteinaceous edema; compensatory emphysema in adjacent areas.
  • Pleural involvement less common than lobar pneumonia.

Clinical Features: Fever, cough, purulent sputum. Often aggravates pre-existing illness.

Complications:

  • Respiratory failure
  • Heart failure (toxins → myocardial damage + hypoxia → pulmonary artery spasm → right heart overload)
  • Abscess, pyemia, empyema
  • Bronchiectasis

Lobar vs Lobular Pneumonia — High-Yield Comparison

FeatureLobar PneumoniaLobular (Broncho)pneumonia
Causative agentPneumococcus (S. pneumoniae)Pyogenic bacteria (Staph, Strep, Pneumo)
Typical age30–50 yrs, healthy adultChildren, elderly, debilitated
DistributionEntire lobe (diffuse)Patchy, multifocal, bilateral, basal
Nature of inflammationFibrinous (exudative)Suppurative (purulent)
Stages4 classic stages, ~7–10 daysNo classic stages
Pleural involvementCommonLess common
Key complicationsCarnification, lung abscess, septicemia, toxic shockLung abscess, pyothorax, bronchiectasis, heart failure, respiratory failure
Clinical onsetSudden, chills, fever, rusty sputumFever, cough, purulent sputum

C. Viral Pneumonia

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PathogensInfluenza virus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), adenovirus, parainfluenza virus.

Pathological Changes:

  • Gross: lungs slightly enlarged, edematous
  • Microscopy: Interstitial pneumonia pattern — alveolar walls widened and edematous, infiltrated with mononuclear cells (lymphocytes, monocytes). Alveolar spaces contain little fluid with occasional mononuclear cells.
  • Viral inclusion bodies — diagnostic feature: round/oval, erythrocyte-like in size, mostly eosinophilic, with halos. Examples:
    • CMV (Cytomegalovirus): located in nucleus
    • Measles virus: located in cytoplasm
  • Hyaline membrane formation → less sputum, dyspnea
  • Multinucleated giant cells (from alveolar epithelium)
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Inclusion bodies — formationFormed by aggregation of complete virus particles or unassembled virus subunits, or reaction products of host cells to viral infection (without actual virus particles).
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Section 2 — COPD & Pulmonary Emphysema

§ 2
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COPD DefinitionA group of conditions sharing dyspnea with chronic/recurrent obstruction to airflow. Major types: chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, asthma.

A. Pulmonary Emphysema

Definition: Abnormal permanent enlargement of airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole, accompanied by destruction of their walls without obvious fibrosis.

Etiology & Pathogenesis

Key Mechanism: Two critical imbalances working together (additive effects):

Imbalance 1
Protease–Antiprotease Imbalance
  • Smoking → ↑ elastase activity
  • α₁-antitrypsin (α₁AT) deficiency → ↓ anti-elastase → elastic fiber damage
  • α₁AT deficiency can be congenital OR "functional" (due to oxidative inactivation by smoking)
Imbalance 2
Oxidant–Antioxidant Imbalance
  • Smoking → oxidants → inactivate α₁AT (functional deficiency)
  • Combines with protease imbalance → additive tissue damage

Also contributing: Obstructive ventilatory dysfunction of bronchioles → narrowing.

Types of Emphysema (by anatomic distribution within the lobule)

TypeLocation of DilationKey Association
1. Centriacinar Respiratory bronchioles dilate (central part of acinus) Cigarette smoking; most common; not α₁AT deficiency
2. Panacinar Entire acinus uniformly enlarged (respiratory bronchiole → terminal alveoli) α₁-antitrypsin deficiency
3. Distal acinar (paraseptal) Adjacent to pleura and lobular connective tissue septa; margins of lobules most affected Spontaneous pneumothorax in young adults; bulla formation
4. Irregular Irregular; associated with scarring Healed inflammatory diseases; clinically asymptomatic; most common form overall
🧠 Memory Aid — Types of Emphysema
C – P – D – I
Centriacinar (Smoking) · Panacinar (α₁AT deficiency) · Distal acinar (Pneumothorax) · Irregular (Scarring)

Morphology

Gross:

  • Enlarged, blunt margins
  • Pale/gray-white, soft, without elasticity
  • Honeycomb-like appearance

Microscopy (LM):

  • Large, irregular air spaces
  • Markedly reduced number of alveolar walls
  • Thinning and destruction of alveolar septa
  • Septal capillaries compressed and bloodless
  • With advanced disease: adjacent alveoli coalesce → large airspaces

Clinical Features

  • Insidious onset of dyspnea (pulmonary dysfunction)
  • Barrel-shaped chest (enlarged lungs)
  • Risk of pneumothorax (bulla rupture)
  • Secondary pulmonary hypertension — from hypoxia-induced vascular spasm + loss of capillary surface area from alveolar destruction
  • Right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale)

B. Chronic Bronchitis (Key Microscopic Features)

  • Hypertrophy of mucous glands (Reid index >0.5)
  • Goblet cell hyperplasia
  • Squamous metaplasia of epithelium
  • Infiltration of inflammatory cells
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Section 3 — Silicosis (Pneumosilicosis)

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Definition: An occupational disease caused by prolonged (5–10 years) inhalation of silica particles (silicon dioxide, SiO₂), deposited in the lung. It is the most important pneumoconiosis due to chronic, nodular, dense pulmonary fibrosis and high risk of tuberculosis co-infection.

Etiology

Inhalation of SiO₂ particles < 5 μm (reach alveoli).

Common occupational exposures:

  • Mining (gold, tin, copper, coal) and quarrying
  • Sandblasting
  • Metal grinding
  • Manufacture of ceramics

Pathogenesis

SiO₂ particles inhaled → engulfed by alveolar macrophages
SiO₂ enters lysosomes → forms hydrated silica
Hydrated silica damages lysosomal membrane
Macrophage undergoes necrosis → releases SiO₂
SiO₂ is released back into tissue and re-engulfed → vicious cycle
Necrotic macrophages release many cytokines
Stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition
Result: Chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis of lung

Morphology

Earlier Stage
  • Cellular silicotic nodules in upper lung
  • Fibrous nodules with hyaline change
Advanced Stage
  • Collagenous nodules
  • Hyalinized whorls of collagen with scant inflammation
  • Diffuse fibrosis in interstitium: alveolar septa, around blood vessels and bronchioles
  • Calcification or coal-blackening may be present
  • Nodules start small in upper lung, grow larger and more diffuse

Complications

  • Pulmonary tuberculosis — most important complication; silicosis + TB = "silicotuberculosis"
  • Right-side heart failure (chronic cor pulmonale)
  • Emphysema and spontaneous pneumothorax
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Section 4 — Chronic Cor Pulmonale

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Definition: Right ventricular hypertrophy, dilation, and potentially failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension caused by disorders of the lungs or pulmonary vasculature. Also called pulmonary hypertensive heart disease.

Etiology & Pathogenesis

COPD → ↓ blood vessels available → hypoxemia
Hypoxemia → pulmonary small artery spasm
↑ Resistance of lung circulation → ↑ pulmonary arterial pressure
Right heart works harder → hypertrophy → dilation → failure

Other causes: Disorders affecting chest movement; diseases of pulmonary vessels.

Pathological Changes

Lung lesions:

  • COPD changes
  • Arteriole walls thickened (media and intima: collagenous, elastic fiber ↑)
  • Muscularization of arterioles
  • Capillary loss

Heart changes:

  • Right ventricular wall hypertrophy
  • Trabeculae and papillary muscles thickened
  • Hypertrophic myocardial cells microscopically
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Section 5A — Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)

§ 5

Introduction

Origin

Nasopharyngeal epithelium

Geography

Common in China (esp. Guangdong, Zhujiang, Xijiang drainage), Indonesia, Malaysia, North Africa

Demographics

Male:Female = 2:1, peak age 40–50 years. Males predominate especially before age 45.

Etiology & Pathogenesis

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Three Factors
  1. EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) infection — most important
  2. Environmental factors — nitrosamines (esp. salted fish containing dimethyl nitrosamine 1–3.5 mg/kg)
  3. Genetic factors

Evidence for EBV role:

  • Raised antibody levels (especially IgA against EBV) in most NPC patients compared to controls and other cancer types
  • EBV DNA or RNA present in practically all tumor cells
  • EBV present in precursor lesions of NPC, but NOT in normal nasopharyngeal epithelium
  • Diagnostic markers: IgA vs VCA (viral capsid antigen) and IgG/IgA vs EA (early antigens)

Morphology — Location

Most commonly: nasopharyngeal roof → lateral wall → pharyngeal recess

Gross Types:

Nodular

Nodular mass

Cauliflower

Polypoid/cauliflower mass

Submucosa

Beneath mucosa, bulges inward

Infiltrative

Diffuse wall infiltration

Ulcerative

Surface ulceration

Histological Types

TypeSubtypeKey Features
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Keratinizing (well differentiated) Intercellular bridges + keratin pearls; resembles normal squamous epithelium
Non-keratinizing: Differentiated (poorly differentiated) Delamination of cancer nest cells obscure; obvious cellular atypia
Non-keratinizing: UndifferentiatedMOST COMMON Vesicular nucleus cell carcinoma (lymphoepithelioma): large vesicular nuclei, 1–2 prominent nucleoli, abundant cytoplasm, indistinct borders, numerous lymphocytes intermixed.
OR Small cell types (small round/spindle cells).
Sensitive to radiotherapy → better prognosis but can be confused with lymphoma → use Reticulin stain + IHC (CK+ = carcinoma; LCA+ = lymphoma)
Adenocarcinoma Glandular differentiation
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IHC to distinguish NPC vs LymphomaCK (Cytokeratin) positive = NPC (carcinoma) · LCA positive = Lymphoma

Spread & Metastasis

1. Direct Extension
  • Upward → base of skull
  • Lateral → auditory tube → middle ear
  • Forward → eye sockets, nasal cavity
  • Downward → hard and soft palate
  • Backward → cervical vertebrae
  • CN II–VI damage
2. Lymphatic Metastasis (Early)
  • Painless enlargement of upper deep cervical lymph nodes = FIRST signal / earliest symptom
3. Hematogenous Metastasis
  • Liver, lung, bone

Clinical Features

  • Cervical lymph node enlargement (painless) — often first sign
  • Nasal discharge with blood (epistaxis)
  • Nasal obstruction
  • Tinnitus, hearing loss (amblyacousia)
  • Headache
  • Cranial nerve damage (CN II–VI)

Treatment & Prognosis

  • Radiosensitive — radiotherapy is primary treatment
  • 5-year survival: 50% in advanced cases; 80% for T1N0M0 (no LN or distant metastasis)
  • Early screening: detect serum IgA vs VCA
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Section 5B — Carcinoma of the Lung

§ 5

Epidemiology

  • No. 1 cancer in industrialized countries
  • 2nd most common cancer in Asia-Pacific; leading cause of cancer death
  • Most common cancer in men aged 40–70; M:F = 2:1
  • Rising incidence in women (due to smoking)

Etiology & Pathogenesis

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1. Cigarette Smoking — Main Cause Heavy smokers have a 20-fold increase in incidence vs non-smokers.
Carcinogens in smoke: polycyclic hydrocarbons, aromatic amines, heavy metals (nickel).
Mechanism: loss of cilia → squamous metaplasia → dysplasia → carcinoma in situ → invasive carcinoma.
Industrial Carcinogens

Asbestos (best known), uranium, nickel, chromate, gold mining

Air Pollution

Ozone, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur

Molecular Genetics

c-myc (SCLC), K-ras (adenocarcinoma), P53 (most frequent), RB, p16; LOH on chromosome 3p (all types)

Gross Types (by Position)

TypeLocationHistology AssociationNotes
Central (Hilar) Major bronchi (1st–3rd order); 75% of cases Squamous cell carcinoma (related to smoking) Causes airway obstruction
Peripheral Small bronchi/bronchioles; alveolar cells; periphery of lungs Adenocarcinoma; common in women Single or multiple nodules
Diffuse Diffuse miliary nodules 2–5% of lung cancers Mimics pneumonia/tuberculosis
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Early Lung Carcinoma: Tumor mass <2 cm, limited to intrabronchial or bronchial wall + surrounding tissue, no lymph node metastasis. Subtypes: intraluminal, infiltrative, peribronchial.

Occult Lung Cancer: Cancer cells in sputum, no clinical symptoms, X-ray negative. Pathology shows carcinoma in situ or early infiltrative carcinoma. No lymphatic metastasis.

Histological Classification

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Clinical division (for treatment purposes): NSCLC 70–75% (surgery) vs SCLC 20–25% (chemotherapy)

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • More common in men; strongly correlated with smoking
  • Arise centrally in major bronchi (central/hilar type)
  • Preceded by squamous metaplasia → dysplasia → carcinoma in situ (preneoplastic lesion, may last years)
  • Gross: central mass; necrosis frequent; cavitation from necrotic material discharge
  • Spreads to local hilar lymph nodes first

2. Adenocarcinoma (Most Common Overall)

  • Has replaced squamous cell carcinoma as the most common primary lung tumor
  • Most common in women, lifetime non-smokers, and persons <45 years
  • Predominantly peripheral mass
  • Grows rapidly; early and widespread hematogenous metastasis

Subtypes:

  • Acinar adenocarcinoma
  • Colloid (mucinous) adenocarcinoma
  • Papillary adenocarcinoma
  • Micropapillary adenocarcinoma
  • Solid adenocarcinoma with mucin
  • Lepidic adenocarcinoma (tumor cells grow along alveolar walls)

3. Large Cell Carcinoma

  • Undifferentiated malignant epithelial tumors lacking cytologic features of SCLC and no glandular or squamous differentiation
  • Likely represents squamous or adeno that is so undifferentiated it can't be recognized by light microscopy
  • Cells: large nuclei, prominent nucleoli, moderate cytoplasm
  • Variants: giant cell, clear cell, spindle cell

4. Small Cell Carcinoma (SCLC) — Most Malignant

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Highest MalignancyMost malignant lung cancer; usually central/hilar; strongly linked to smoking.

Histology:

  • Oval or short spindle cells, "oat cell" shape
  • Dark staining nuclei, very little cytoplasm
  • Grow in nests or clusters separated by connective tissue
  • "Fake chrysanthemum-morph" structure

Origin & Special Features:

  • Derived from neuroendocrine cells of bronchial mucosa
  • Neurosecretory granules on EM
  • IHC: Chromogranin (+), Synaptophysin (+)
  • Secretes peptide hormones (ACTH, ADH) → paraneoplastic syndromes (e.g. hypercalcemia)
⚠️
SCLC ManagementAlready metastasized at diagnosis → NOT curable by surgery. Best treated with chemotherapy ± radiation. Grows rapidly, metastasizes early and widely.

NSCLC vs SCLC — Critical Comparison Table

FeatureNSCLCSCLC
CytoplasmAbundantScant
NucleiPleomorphic (large)Small, dark
Chromogranin IHCNegativePositive
Synaptophysin IHCNegativePositive
TreatmentSurgeryChemotherapy
OutcomesBetterWorse
Molecular changesP16, cyclinD1, K-rasP53, RB mutations

Minor Histological Types

  • Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
  • Adenoid cystic carcinoma
  • Adenosquamous carcinoma
  • Sarcomatoid carcinoma

Clinical Features

  • Cough, weight loss, chest pain, dyspnea
  • Superior vena caval syndrome — if tumor compresses SVC: puffiness of face, phlebeurysma (visible veins) of neck/chest
  • Horner's syndrome (apical/Pancoast tumor → cervical sympathetic plexus): ipsilateral enophthalmos (sunken eye), ptosis (drooping eyelid), miosis (small pupil), anhydrosis (no sweating)
  • Brachial plexus involvement → pain in ulnar nerve distribution, hand muscle wasting
🧠 Horner's Syndrome Mnemonic — "PAM is Horny"
P·A·M·E
Ptosis · Anhydrosis · Miosis · Enophthalmos

Patterns of Spread

1. Direct Extension

Airway obstruction (central type); pericardial/pleural effusion; SVC compression (venous congestion); brachial and cervical sympathetic plexus (apical tumors)

2. Lymphatic Metastasis

Hilar LN → paratracheal LN → cervical LN → Virchow's node (left supraclavicular)

3. Hematogenous Metastasis

Liver, bone, adrenal glands, brain. May produce clinical symptoms BEFORE primary tumor is detected.

Prognosis

  • Overall 5-year survival: ~9% (very poor)
  • Surgical resection of solitary NSCLC: 30–40% 5-year survival
  • SCLC: chemotherapy responsive but ultimately recurs; other types disappoint with chemotherapy
  • Key principle: Early discovery → early diagnosis → early treatment

Diagnosis Methods

  • Sputum cytology, pleural effusion cytology
  • Fiberoptic bronchoscope examination and biopsy
  • X-ray, CT scanning, MRI
  • Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy

Therapy

Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (based on type and stage)

All 4 Histological Types — Quick Revision

TypeGrossAssociationSpecial FeatureTreatment
Squamous Cell Ca Central; cavitation common Smoking, men Squamous metaplasia → dysplasia → CIS (preneoplastic) Surgery (NSCLC)
Adenocarcinoma Peripheral; multiple nodules Women, non-smokers, <45 yrs Most common type overall; rapid hematogenous spread; lepidic subtype Surgery (NSCLC)
Large Cell Ca Variable None specific Diagnosis of exclusion; undifferentiated Surgery (NSCLC)
Small Cell Ca Central/hilar; soft white tan Smoking; young–middle aged men Oat cell; neuroendocrine origin; paraneoplastic syndromes; Chrom(+) Synap(+) Chemo ± RT (SCLC)
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Master Summary & High-Yield Points

Exam Focus
Pneumonia — Must Know Lobar: S. pneumoniae · 4 stages · entire lobe · rusty sputum · carnification is key complication.
Lobular: pyogenic · multifocal · basal · suppurative · children/elderly.
Viral: interstitial pattern · inclusion bodies · hyaline membrane · mononuclear infiltrate.
Emphysema — Must Know Centriacinar = smoking. Panacinar = α₁AT deficiency. Distal acinar = pneumothorax in young adults. Irregular = scarring. Two imbalances (protease-antiprotease + oxidant-antioxidant) = additive.
Silicosis — Must Know SiO₂ <5 μm · macrophage–lysosome damage · vicious cycle · hyalinized whorls · #1 complication = TB · #2 = cor pulmonale.
NPC — Must Know EBV association · IgA vs VCA for screening · undifferentiated type most common (lymphoepithelioma) · radiosensitive · first sign = painless cervical LN enlargement · CK+ (not LCA+) = NPC not lymphoma.
Lung Cancer — Must Know NSCLC (surgery) vs SCLC (chemo). Adenocarcinoma = most common overall, women, non-smokers, peripheral. Squamous = men, smoking, central, cavitation. SCLC = oat cell, neuroendocrine, paraneoplastic, worst prognosis. Overall 5-yr survival = 9%. Adenoca = K-ras; SCLC = P53+RB mutations; Chromogranin/Synaptophysin +ve = SCLC.
DiseaseKey Bug / CausePathology BuzzwordKey Complication
Lobar pneumoniaS. pneumoniaeFibrinous; 4 stages; red/gray hepatizationCarnification
BronchopneumoniaPyogenic bacteriaSuppurative; patchy; basal; peribronchialBronchiectasis, heart failure
Viral pneumoniaInfluenza, RSV, etc.Interstitial; inclusion bodies; hyaline membraneRespiratory failure
EmphysemaSmoking / α₁AT↓Permanent airspace enlargement; no fibrosisCor pulmonale
SilicosisSiO₂ inhalationHyalinized collagen whorls; nodular fibrosisTB, cor pulmonale
Cor pulmonaleCOPD → pulmonary HTNRV hypertrophy/dilationRV failure
NPCEBV, nitrosaminesUndifferentiated; lymphoepitheliomaCranial nerve damage, hematogenous spread
Lung Ca (SqCC)SmokingCentral; cavitation; keratin pearlsAirway obstruction
Lung Ca (Adeno)Non-smoking, womenPeripheral; lepidic; glandularEarly hematogenous spread
Lung Ca (SCLC)Smoking; neuroendocrineOat cells; Chromogranin/Synaptophysin+Paraneoplastic syndrome; early metastasis