Clinicopathologic Spectrum of Lung Malignancies and Detection of EGFR Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers from a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Lung cancers are increasingly being studied for molecular targets that are amenable to treatment. EGFR mutation is one such target, and we have attempted to determine the histological types and EGFR mutations in lung cancer patients. Aim of the study: To study the patient demographics, clinicopathological profile, histological subtypes, and the EGFR mutations in lung cancers. Materials and Methods: The patient details were collected from all biopsy-proven cases of lung cancers. The histopathological types of lung cancers were noted. The EGFR mutation assay was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and pyrosequencing, and findings were noted. Results: Our study comprised 93 cases, with 64 male and 29 female patients, and the M:F ratio was 2.2:1. NSCLC were 97%, and small cell lung cancers were 3%. Among the NSCLC, adenocarcinomas were more common than squamous cell carcinomas. EGFR mutations were observed in 21.5% of cases. Most (95%) EGFR mutations were seen in adenocarcinomas, and 5% were seen in squamous cell carcinoma. Exon 19 was more commonly affected (60% of cases). Conclusion: Lung cancers are twice as common in males as in females. Among NSCLC, adenocarcinomas are more common, and one-fifth of adenocarcinomas are positive for EGFR mutations, with exon 19 mutation being the most common. EGFR mutation testing is encouraged in all lung cancer patients in view of available treatment options.