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Types of Lung Cancer
Under the general heading of lung cancer there are two main classes of malignant tumors of the lungs based on their pathology (what a pathologist can see under the microscope when looking at the diseased tissue), non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancers are the most common, accounting for about 80% of all lung cancers, although there are several sub-types of these (see below). Treatment and prognosis of these cancers varies by type.
Non-Small Cell Lung CancerThese types of lung cancer account for approximately 80% of lung cancers, but there are several sub-types:Squamous cell carcinoma (also named epidermoid carcinoma): More common in men, this type forms from the cells lining the airways (wind pipes) in the lungs and is the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer. It tends to be a bit slower growing than most adenocarcinoma and large-cell tumors. Adenocarcinoma: More common in women and non-smokers, the adeno- part of adenocarcinoma means that it arises from the glandular cells in the lungs that produce and secrete mucus. Brochioalveolar carcinoma: One of the more rare sub-types of lung cancer, it is related to adenocarcinoma (above) but forms from cells close to the small air sacs in the lungs, called the alveoli. Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma: This quickly growing form of lung cancer typically forms near the outer edges of the lungs.
Small Cell Lung CancerAlso known as oat cell carcinoma, small cell lung cancer is less common than non-small cell types. The cancerous cells are fast growing and can grow large and spread to other parts of the body quickly. At the time of diagnosis many of these cancers are very large or already spread to distant organs. These are strongly linked with smoking.
MesotheliomaMesothelioma is a different class of cancer which is not technically one of the types of lung cancer as it does not arise from the lungs themselves. Instead, it forms in the pleura, the thin membrane lining the chest cavity around the lungs. It therefore is closely related to the lungs and can present as a tumor in the outer portion of the lung and/or chest wall. It can also present as a tumor of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum. Risk for mesothelioma is strongly linked with exposure to asbestos.
Lung Cancer and SmokingSmoking is a strong risk factor for the development of several types of cancers, lung cancer being one of them. Smoking is most strongly associated with small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Although it is hard to give exact numbers, about 90% of lung cancers are related to cigarette smoking. The total risk of developing lung cancer appears to be associated with the total number of cigarettes smoked over life. A rough estimate is that a person who smokes one pack of cigarettes per day has a risk of developing lung cancer about 25 times greater than non-smokers. This does not account for other cancers and diseases (emphysema, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, etc) which smoking causes as well. Non-smokers can develop many of the forms of lung cancer as well, although their risk is lower than smokers. |
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There are several different types of lung cancer which vary slightly.