Lung Cancer

There are two main forms of lung cancer – small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

There are several types of non-small cell lung cancer characterized by different kinds of cancer cells. The cancer cells of each type grow and spread in different ways. The most common types of non-small cell lung cancer are squamous cell carcinoma that begins in the thin, flat squamous cells; large cell carcinoma; and adenocarcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the alveoli. Other less common types of non-small cell lung cancer are: pleomorphic, carcinoid tumor, salivary gland carcinoma, and unclassified carcinoma.

There are two types of small cell lung cancer – small cell carcinoma, also called oat cell cancer, and combined small cell carcinoma.

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 238,340 patients will be diagnosed with lung and bronchus cancer in the United States in 2023, and about 129,070 people will die of the disease. The five-year survival rate for these cancers is 25.4 percent.

Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars is the most common cause of lung cancer. Other risk factors for lung cancer include being exposed to secondhand smoke, having a family history of lung cancer, being treated with radiation therapy to the breast or chest, exposure to asbestos, chromium, nickel, arsenic, soot, or tar in the workplace, and exposure to radon. When smoking is combined with other risk factors, the risk of lung cancer is increased.

Lung Cancer Prevention (PDQ®) Lung Cancer Screening (PDQ®) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute