PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Lung adenocarcinoma typically presents in which part of the lung?

1. Centrally

2. At the hilum

3. Periphery

4. In the pleura

The correct answer is: Periphery

Lung adenocarcinoma is known for its predilection to present in the periphery of the lungs. This subtype of lung cancer often originates in the small airways and alveoli, leading to the formation of peripheral masses rather than central lesions that might be seen with other types of lung cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma. The outer areas of the lungs provide a suitable environment for adenocarcinomas due to the abundant glandular tissue, which is characteristic of this type of cancer. When discussing lung cancers, it is crucial to understand their typical presentation sites. For instance, central lesions are more typical of squamous cell carcinoma, which tends to arise in the larger airways. The hilum is primarily associated with various pulmonary neoplasms but is not the usual site for adenocarcinomas. Lastly, involvement of the pleura typically suggests advanced disease or malignancies that have metastasized, rather than a primary presentation of lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the peripheral presentation is a key distinguishing feature of this particular malignancy.