EGFR mutation -- a commonly neglected mutation in squamous cell lung carcinoma

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Advances in molecular biology have unveiled various targetable mutations with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) being most common. EGFR testing is recommended for all locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma lungs but recommendation in squamous histology is uncertain. However, just on the basis of histology, EGFR testing should not be withheld in patients diagnosed as squamous cell cancer on small biopsy, in females, never smokers and Asians. We report two cases with squamous cell lung cancer diagnosed on small biopsy, in non smoker females with EGFR mutations emphasizing the importance of testing in such population.

Keywords

Epidermal growth factor receptor mutation / squamous cell lung carcinoma / never smoker / small biopsy

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