Different Types of Lung Cancer

Are there different types of lung cancer?

Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs.

The most common type is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC makes up about 80 to 85 percent of all cases. Thirty percent of these cases start in the cells that form the lining of the body’s cavities and surfaces.

This type usually forms in the outer part of the lungs (adenocarcinomas). Another 30 percent of cases begin in cells that line the passages of the respiratory tract (squamous cell carcinoma).

A rare subset of adenocarcinoma begins in the tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli). It’s called adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS).

This type isn’t aggressive and may not invade surrounding tissue or need immediate treatment. Faster-growing types of NSCLC include large-cell carcinoma and large-cell neuroendocrine tumors.

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Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents about 15 to 20 percent of lung cancers. SCLC grows and spreads faster than NSCLC. This also makes it more likely to respond to chemotherapy. However, it’s also less likely to be cured with treatment.

In some cases, lung cancer tumors contain both NSCLC and SCLC cells.

Mesothelioma is another type of lung cancer. It’s usually associated with asbestos exposure. Carcinoid tumors start in hormone producing (neuroendocrine) cells.

Tumors in the lungs can grow quite large before you notice symptoms. Early symptoms mimic a cold or other common conditions, so most people don’t seek medical attention right away. That’s one reason why lung cancer isn’t usually diagnosed in an early stage.

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