Prediction of Histological Subtype Based on Segmental Localization of Malignant Pulmonary Nodule in the Upper Lobe of the Lung

Gencer A., Atahan E., Gemicioglu B., Borekci S., Çalışkaner Öztürk B.

Thoracic Cancer, vol.17, no.7, pp.1-4, 2026 (Scopus) identifier identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 17 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/1759-7714.70277
  • Journal Name: Thoracic Cancer
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-4
  • Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background

Studies have shown that malignant pulmonary nodules frequently occur in the upper lobes of the lung. However, there is no data on their distribution according to segments. The aim of this study is to predict the histological subtype of lung cancer based on the segment localization of malignant pulmonary nodules located in the upper lobe of the lung.

Methods

Between March 1, 2018, and November 1, 2024, 2402 patients who applied to the pulmonary diseases outpatient clinic and were scheduled for further investigation after thoracic CT scans revealed pulmonary nodules measuring 8 mm or larger were screened. The demographic characteristics, pulmonary nodule size, and histological subtypes of 154 patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in further investigations were compared according to the upper lobe segments of the lung: apicoposterior and anterior.

Results

Adenocarcinoma percentage was significantly higher in the apicoposterior group, while squamous cell carcinoma percentage was significantly higher in the anterior group (p = 0.010).

Conclusions

NSCLC localized in the apicoposterior segment of the upper lobes of the lung tends to be adenocarcinoma, while those localized in the anterior segment tend to be squamous cell carcinoma. Tumor size less than 3 cm with apicoposterior localization is independently associated with the adenocarcinoma histological subtype.