What is a characteristic of squamous cell carcinoma in the lungs?

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs is characterized by the presence of keratin pearls upon histological examination. These keratin pearls are formed from the accumulation of keratin production by the tumor cells, which reflects the squamous differentiation of the cancer. This type of lung cancer is typically found in the central portions of the lungs and is closely associated with smoking, leading to unique histological features that future histopathological investigations commonly identify.

While it is true that squamous cell carcinoma has certain associations, such as being more prevalent in smokers and having a central tumor location, the defining feature that distinguishes it in terms of histology is indeed the presence of keratin pearls. This characteristic is crucial for pathologists during diagnosis and informs treatment decisions based on the tumor's morphology.