Le rôle de l'anatomopathologiste en oncologie thoracique : classification, gestion des prélèvements

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death by cancer worldwide. Recent descriptions of different molecular alterations in subset of lung adenocarcinoma have lead to identification of new potential targeted drugs. After a short description of the WHO histological classification of lung cancer and the new IASLC/ATS/ERS classification of adenocarcinoma, this article described conventional histological analysis and immunochemistry used on tissue and cytology samples in pathology departments. This pathological evaluation remains the basic tools for the diagnosis and classification of lung carcinoma, in particular on small size samples. Quality of the pre-analytical phase (fixation, tissue sparing and tumour area selection) being essential to ensure reliable and reproducible diagnosis and good nucleic acid preservation in connection with quality insurance programs. Good relationships between pathologists, physicians and molecular biologists being essential for the optimal management of lung cancers.