Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the world and its incidence is still increasing. Histologic­ally, lung cancer is divided into two major types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), consisting of squamous cell carcinoma, adeno­carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and other rare subtypes.

      The contemporary aspects determine oncogenesis as a result of the accumulation of genetic abnormalities in tu­mor suppressor genes (TSG) and oncogenes that lead to an imbalance in the processes of differentiation, proliferation and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Therefore, there is an urgent need to have a complete perception of the genet­ics and biology of lung cancer. This will help us under­stand the essence of lung carcinogenesis in order to look for appropriate markers for early diagnosis and adequate treatment. Abberations of protooncogenes (ras, EGFR, c-myc) and TSG (p53, p16, Rb, Fhit) have been reported to play a crucial role in lung cancer development.

      Key words: Lung cancer, Genetic aberrations, Onco­genes, Tumor suppressor gene