TYPES OF LUNG CANCER
There are two major types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 85% of lung cancers. Among them are these types of tumors:
- Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer in the United States among both men and women.
- Squamous cell carcinoma/epidermoid carcinoma forms in the lining of the bronchial tubes.
- Large cell carcinomas refer to non-small cell lung cancers that are neither adenocarcinomas nor epidermoid cancers.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Small cell lung cancer accounts for the remaining 15% of lung cancers in the United States. Smoking is more strongly associated with small cell lung cancer. It grows more rapidly and spreads to other parts of the body earlier than non-small cell lung cancer. The mainstay of its treatment is by chemotherapy.