Types of Lung Cancer
Understanding Your Type of Lung Cancer
There is nothing that can prepare you to hear your doctor say, "It's lung cancer."
However, you can prepare yourself for the fight ahead by understanding what type
of lung cancer you have and how it may be treated. There are two basic categories
of lung cancer: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).
The large majority (70% to 80%) of people with lung cancer have NSCLC, which grows
more slowly than SCLC. There are three types of NSCLC: adenocarcinoma, squamous
cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
About 20% to 25% of all lung cancer cases are SCLC. SCLC may grow and spread to
other parts of the body more quickly than NSCLC.
Following a diagnosis of lung cancer, you may feel scared, angry, anxious, or confused.
Learning more about your disease and its treatment may help to ease these feelings
and better prepare you for what lies ahead. Click on any of the links below to find
a specific topic on this page.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
About 150,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with NSCLC each year. Of
all NSCLCs, about 50% are adenocarcinomas, about 38% are squamous cell carcinomas,
and about 12% are large cell carcinomas. Treatment options are usually specific
to the type of cancer, NSCLC or SCLC, and its stage. For information about treatment,
click on the link at the bottom of this page.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of NSCLC and the most common form of lung
cancer among women. The incidence of this type of lung cancer is increasing. Adenocarcinomas
often appear toward the outer edges of the lungs in the mucous glands that line
the airways. Like other forms of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma may spread to other
parts of the body. Bronchioloalveolar adenocarcinoma (BAC), a subtype of adenocarcinoma,
is found in the tiny air sacs, called alveoli, of the lungs. BAC is a slow-growing
cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The most common lung cancer in men is squamous cell carcinoma. It usually appears
in the larger breathing tubes. Like other NSCLCs, squamous carcinoma is a relatively
slow-growing cancer.
Large Cell Carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma occurs less often and has larger cells than other NSCLCs. It
usually first appears in the smaller breathing tubes and may spread quickly. Large
cell carcinoma is typically diagnosed after other types of lung cancer have been
ruled out.
Choose a link below for more information about diagnosis, staging, or treatment
for NSCLC.
Diagnosing Lung Cancer
Stages of Lung Cancer
Treating Lung Cancer
More Information
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
SCLC usually starts in the larger breathing tubes, may spread more quickly than
NSCLC, and is often found in the lymph nodes or in other areas of the body at the
time of diagnosis. For more information about the diagnosis, or treatment of SCLC,
click on a link below.
Diagnosing Lung Cancer
Treating Lung Cancer
More Information