bronchioloalveolar carcinoma
Pronunciation: bron-kee-OH-low-al-VEE-oh-lar
A former classification of lung adenocarcinoma now reclassified as adenocarcinoma in situ or minimally invasive adenocarcinoma.
Full Definition
Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) was a historical subtype of non-small cell lung cancer characterized by growth along alveolar septa without stromal invasion. This terminology was replaced in the 2011 WHO classification with more precise categories: adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) for purely lepidic growth patterns, and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) for tumors with minimal invasion. The term BAC should not appear in contemporary pathology reports, though it may still be referenced in older literature and clinical discussions. Understanding this reclassification is essential for accurate editorial review of thoracic oncology manuscripts.
Usage
Usage note: Obsolete term that should be flagged for updating in contemporary medical writing.
In Context
- "The historical diagnosis of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma has been superseded by the current WHO classification." — Review article
- "Cases previously classified as bronchioloalveolar carcinoma would now be categorized as adenocarcinoma in situ." — Pathology guideline