Types of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Although lung cancer is typically discussed simply as small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, there are in fact several subtypes of the more commonly diagnosed non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Those will be touched upon here.

These subtypes get their name for both the kinds of lung cells affected by the cancer, as well as how the cancer appears when examined under a microscope.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is a subtype of NSCLC that begins in thin, flat cells that, under the microscope, appear like fish scales.

Large cell carcinoma of the lung

There are a nuber of different types of large cells in the lung; any cancer that begins in these cells is called a large cell carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma of the lung

When the cancer begins in the cells that line the alveoli and produce substances like mucus, it is called adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Pleomorphic NSCLC

The cancer is called pleomorphic NSCLC when it affects cells of various different shapes and sizes, or the nuclei of cells.

Carcinoid tumor of the lung

A carcinoid tumor is a slow-growing tumor that can sometimes develop in the lung that can spread to other parts of the body such as the liver and may secrete substances such as serotonin or prostaglandins, which leads to something known as carcinoid syndrome.

Unclassified carcinoma of the lung

Not every instance of non small cell lung cancer can be fit into the category of one of the subtypes; this is just the nature of cancer, a disease which is never the same from one person to the next.

Sources:
National Cancer Institute

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