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Types of Lung Cancer

There are several different types of lung cancer each determined by what area of the lungs is diseased and how the cells appear under microscopic review. Some forms are more aggressive and spread faster and yet respond better to conventional therapies. No matter the type or stage of lung cancer, there are treatment options available.

  1. Non Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

    • Non Small Cell Lung Carcinoma accounts for approximately 80 percent of all diagnosed lung cancer. There are three sub types of Non Small Cell Lung Carcinoma. Often at the time of diagnosis, the cancer has not spread and therefore, surgical options may be available.

    Sub Type: Adenocarcinoma

    • Also known as large cell carcinoma, these cancer cells are typically found in the outer gland area of the lungs. These glands produce mucus. The cancer cells may appear as masses, nodules or scar cancer. This sub type is the most common type that is found in women and non-smokers.

    Sub Type: Squamous

    • This is the most common type of small cell lung carcinoma and men are most often diagnosed with this type. The cancer cells form in the bronchial tube linings. It may appear as inflammation of the lungs and have similar symptoms as pneumonia. These cells typically grow slowly and can take years to advance to invasive cancer.

    Sub Type: Bronchioalveolar

    • This form of small cell lung carcinoma is actually quite rare and is a sub set of adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer grows near the lungs' air sacs. Current research shows this type of cancer responds well to targeted therapies.

    Large Cell Carcinoma

    • This type of cancer grows on the outer edges of the lungs, near the surface. It often has a rapid growth rate and thus this type of cancer is typically wide spread before it is diagnosed. Treatment options are often limited to chemotherapy and radiation.

    Small Cell Carcinoma

    • In Small Cell carcinoma, the cancer cells are small but grow and spread rapidly. The cancer cells can form large tumors that can spread throughout your body. This type of cancer accounts for approximately 20 percent of all diagnosed cancer and is most commonly seen in smokers.

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