Types of lung cancer

Lung cancers are classified as small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cancerous cells look under a microscope. Your doctor will order tests to determine which type of cancer you have and, therefore, how it will be treated.

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Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type and includes:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: Also known as epidermoid carcinoma, this type of cancer begins in the squamous cells of the lungs. It's most often associated with a history of smoking.
• Adenocarcinoma: This type begins in the cells lining the lung and occurs more frequently than other types in nonsmokers, women, and younger people.
• Large cell carcinoma: This type has larger cells than do others.

Small cell lung cancer grows more rapidly and is more likely to spread quickly to other organs. It's also known as oat-cell cancer.

Mesothelioma is a rare tumor of the lining of lungs, often attributed to asbestos exposure.

Lung carcinoid tumors are very rare and typically more benign.

This section contains information on:

• Lung carcinoid tumors