Pathology of lung tumours

The pathological spectrum of lung tumours is broad; however it is dominated by primary lung carcinoma (cancer). The WHO Classification of Tumours of the Lung, Pleura, Thymus and Heart, published in 2015, has significantly altered the landscape of lung cancer reporting, particularly with respect to lung adenocarcinoma.In this review article, the aim is to provide insight into lung pathology reporting and its implications. Lung tumours can be diagnosed on biopsy tissue, cytology material or resected specimens. Conservation of tissue for molecular characterization is paramount, particularly when small amounts of tissue are received. Histological and molecular diagnostics of lung cancer specimens guides personalized targeted therapy. A multidisciplinary approach to primary lung carcinoma management is imperative so as to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.