RT Journal Article SR Electronic A1 Rizzo, Toni T1 The Characterization of Lung Cancer JF MD Conference Express YR 2012 FD SAGE Publications VO 12 IS 15 SP 4 OP 5 DO 10.1177/155989771215001 UL http://mdc.sagepub.com/content/12/15/4.abstract AB This article discusses the characterization of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including its histology, biology, and molecular classification, and an integrative approach to its management. Lung cancer was first characterized by Rudolf Virchow in the 1800s as a tumor in the lungs that could be diagnosed by examining a pathological sample. While this definition is still in use today, lung cancer is, in fact, the result of multiple molecular alterations underlying the phenotypic changes observed in the cells.