Study of current trend of thoracic malignancy in young adults at a tertiary care center

Abstract

Objective: Incidence of cancer has risen markedly in younger age groups over the recent years&is believed to have a poorer prognosis with an aggressive course.The present research was undertaken to study the current scenario of thoracic malignancy in young adults.

Methods: The study was conducted over a timeline of one year(Oct 2018-19) at K G Medical University,Lucknow,India.24 Patients between the age group of 18-35 years with suspected lung malignancy were investigated using various modalities including bronchoscopy,thoracoscopy&transthoracic biopsy followed by immunohistochemistry.The diagnosed patients were put on treatment& a 6 months follow up of the cohort was done.

Results: Diagnosis could be established in 21 patients(87.5%) out of 24 while 3 expired.The predominant histological subtype was adenocarcinoma(40%) followed by mesothelioma(20%).There was no significant gender preponderance observed in the proven cases (M:F=4:3).Most of the patients were offered chemotherapy &palliative care(86%) as they reported in late stages of disease i.e. Stage IIIB&IV.However 3 patients with miscellaneous diagnosis i.e. 2 of Ewing’s sarcoma and 1 of peripheral nerve sheath tumor were referred for surgery.9 patients expired whereas rest remained stable at 6 months of follow up.

Conclusion: Lung cancer in young age is a distinctive disease having socioeconomic implications.Majority of them are non-smokers.As the predominant histological subtype is adenocarcinoma,there is increased likelihood of positive driver gene mutations so efforts should be made for the individualized targeted therapy.Environmental factors&unhealthy lifestyle do play a role.More research is required to study the unidentified causes.