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Types of lung cancer

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There are 2 main types of lung cancer, which are named for the size of the cancer cells seen under a microscope: small cell lung cancer and non–small cell lung cancer. Around 85–90% of lung cancers are non–small cell cancers.

The 3 main subtypes of non–small cell lung cancer are:

  • squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma: which starts in the cells lining the airways of the lungs, usually close to the main windpipe
  • adenocarcinoma: the commonest form of non–small cell lung cancer, which starts in the mucus-secreting cells in the deeper part of the lungs away from the windpipe. This is also the most common form of cancer in nonsmokers, and is also more likely to occur in younger people than other types of lung cancer
  • large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma: which may begin in several types of cells.

Small cell lung cancer tends to grow and spread quickly. It has usually spread to other parts of the body before it is detected.

There are other types of lung cancer but they are all rare.

Cancers that start in other organs and metastasise to the lungs are not lung cancers. They are treated according to where they started in the body.

  • Last Updated
  • Relevant Links
updated: 20 October 2020 - 3:32pm
Getting the best advice and care: A guide for those affected by lung cancer
Delivering Best Practice Lung Cancer Care: A summary for health professionals
Lung Foundation Australia
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of lung cancer
Lung cancer - Understanding, Managing, Living
Lung cancer - care pathway
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute (US)
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (US)
Lung Cancer Framework
Lung Cancer Framework – At a Glance

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Treatment and side effects

The treatment that your doctors recommend will depend on the type of cancer you have, how advanced it is, and other personal factors.

Living with cancer
Living with cancer

A diagnosis of cancer marks the beginning of a journey full of emotional, psychological, physical and practical challenges.

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While looking forward to finishing their cancer treatment and getting on with life, for some people, the end of treatment can also be a confusing or worrying time.

A-Z List of Cancer Types

Information on more than 70 types of cancer

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