BRONCHO ALVEOLAR CARCINOMA ( BAC)

Abstract

Bronchoalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a clinicopathologic entity of adenocarcinoma with a pure bronchioloalveolar growth pattern and appears as an in situ alveolar adenocarcinoma. It arises from type II pneumocytes or Clara cells and grows along alveolar septa. BAC occurs more frequently in women and in younger patients. BAC presents with distinct clinical features, such as endobronchial spread and bronchorrhea in advanced stages. Intrapulmonary spreading and rare systemic metastatic potential is the hallmark of this tumour. Although it seems to be less dependent on tobacco exposure, smoking cannot be excluded as a risk factor.