Comparison of Computed Tomography Characteristics between Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma at Bach Mai Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To compare the CT imaging features of lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional and retrospective study conducted on 407 patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma confirmed by histopathology. All patients
underwent chest CT scans between January 2022 and July 2024 at Bach Mai Hospital. Imaging characteristics analysed included tumour size, density, margin, calcification, cavitation, anatomical location,
bronchial involvement, and invasion of adjacent structures, alongside epidemiological features such as age and sex. Data were processed using SPSS version 20.0.
Results: Adenocarcinomas were predominantly located peripherally (43.8%). Squamous cell carcinomas were more frequently central (43.2%), had a larger mean tumour size (48.5 mm vs. 39.7 mm), a higher rate of bronchial invasion (15.9%), and a higher proportion of male patients (86.4%). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding lobar location, tumour margin, calcification or cavitation.
Conclusion: CT imaging can delineate several features that help distinguish between the two histological types, thereby aiding in diagnostic orientation and the development of an appropriate treatment plan.