Types of Lung Cancer

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cells in your lungs growing in an uncontrolled way. Cells become abnormal when their DNA changes (mutates). This mutation causes the cells to keep multiplying and a mass forms (a tumor) that eventually spreads to other parts of the body stopping them from working properly.

Lung cancer is the name given to cancers that begin in the lungs, usually the small air sacs (alveoli) or the airways (bronchi or bronchioles). This page looks at the different types of lung cancer.

To learn more about the symptoms of lung cancer, its causes and treatments, see here.

What are the different types of lung cancer?

There are many different types of lung cancer, but the two main types are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer has several subtypes, including adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, and sarcomatoid carcinoma. Types of small cell lung cancer include small cell carcinoma and combined small cell carcinoma.

Other types of lung cancer that are less common include pleural mesothelioma and carcinoid tumors.

Non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are carcinomas and begin in the cells that line the surface of the airways of the lungs (called epithelial cells). NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer.

Common types of NSCLC:

Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of NSCLC. It develops in the cells of the glands of the lining of the airways and is often found in the outer areas of the lungs. When glandular epithelial cells mutate and grow out of control, a tumor can form. Adenocarcinomas can also develop in other parts of the body, including the breast, colon, pancreas, stomach, esophagus, prostate, and stomach.

Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cancer develops in the thin, flat cells that line the airways. Squamous cell carcinoma usually develops in the airways at the center of the lungs.

Less common types of NSCLC include:

Large cell lung cancer: This type of cancer usually develops in the outer edges of the lung. It is characterized by larger, abnormal cells that don’t show the same differentiation as squamous cells or glandular cells when examined under a microscope.

Adenosquamous carcinoma: This is a rare and aggressive type of lung cancer that contains both adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma cells.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma: Another rare and aggressive type of lung cancer, sarcomatoid carcinoma contains both sarcoma cells and carcinoma cells.

Small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), also known as oat cell carcinoma, is a less common type of lung cancer that is aggressive and fast growing. It is usually diagnosed in people who have a history of smoking. SCLC typically develops in the airways (bronchi) at the center of the lungs.

Other types of lung cancer

Pleural mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the pleura, the thin membranes that line the lungs and chest cavity. It is associated with exposure to asbestos (a building material that is no longer used).

Carcinoid tumor: A rare and less aggressive cancer in which tumors develop in cells called neuroendocrine cells. There are two types of carcinoids; typical carcinoid tumors which are slow growing and don’t usually spread beyond the lungs, and atypical carcinoid tumors, which are faster growing and are more likely to spread to other areas.