There are several types of lung cancer (LC) and each type is categorized into one of two groups: small cell and non-small cell. The form of treatment used to remove tumors or eliminate affected tissue depends on the type of LC a patient has and the stage to which it has advanced. In this article, we'll provide an overview of the various kinds and explain how doctors treat them.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
One of five people who develop lung cancer develop this type of the disease. By some estimates, there are nearly 35,000 new cases of SCLC diagnosed each year. It is aggressive and often spreads quickly throughout the patient's body. In most cases, it is triggered by smoking and only 1 in 100 cases is attributed to a non-smoker.
The challenge with SCLC is the speed with which it metastasizes. Because it moves rapidly throughout the body, it is often discovered only after it has reached multiple sites. By the time doctors identify and diagnose it, treating the condition has often become problematic. Surgery is usually not an option because the disease is not localized. Chemotherapy is often administered to support a systemic approach.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
This type of LC is the most common and can be further categorized into three subgroups: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and large cell carcinomas (LCC). Of the three, adenocarcinomas are the most common, making up nearly half of all NSCLC cases diagnosed in the U.S. They form along the airways and are typically found in the outer portions of the lung tissue. Both smokers and non-smokers develop this type of LC.
SCC is typically found in the middle of the lungs and appears similar to inflammation. They grow and metastasize slowly; in fact, it is not uncommon for them to take years to spread to distant sites. Because they metastasize slowly, treatment is often applied locally with a high rate of success.
Unlike SCC, LCC often begins in the bronchi and appears on the periphery. It spreads aggressively to distant sites, which makes it more difficult than SCC for doctors to treat successfully. It is less common than other varieties of NSCLC.
Bronchial carcinoids can also form and comprise nearly 5% of all diagnosed LC cases. It is most prevalent among people under 40 years of age. The tumors associated with this type of LC are usually small and spread slowly. As a result, it is usually treated by surgically removing the affected tissue.
Besides SCLC and NSCLC, a person can also develop mesothelioma. However, while many people believe it is a type of LC, it is not. Instead, it impacts the outer lining of the lungs (called the pleura).
The primary challenge with all types of LC is treating the disease before it can metastasize. As described above, some varieties metastasize more quickly than others. If you believe you are vulnerable, speak with your doctor regarding having it diagnosed as well as possible treatment options.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
One of five people who develop lung cancer develop this type of the disease. By some estimates, there are nearly 35,000 new cases of SCLC diagnosed each year. It is aggressive and often spreads quickly throughout the patient's body. In most cases, it is triggered by smoking and only 1 in 100 cases is attributed to a non-smoker.
The challenge with SCLC is the speed with which it metastasizes. Because it moves rapidly throughout the body, it is often discovered only after it has reached multiple sites. By the time doctors identify and diagnose it, treating the condition has often become problematic. Surgery is usually not an option because the disease is not localized. Chemotherapy is often administered to support a systemic approach.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
This type of LC is the most common and can be further categorized into three subgroups: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and large cell carcinomas (LCC). Of the three, adenocarcinomas are the most common, making up nearly half of all NSCLC cases diagnosed in the U.S. They form along the airways and are typically found in the outer portions of the lung tissue. Both smokers and non-smokers develop this type of LC.
SCC is typically found in the middle of the lungs and appears similar to inflammation. They grow and metastasize slowly; in fact, it is not uncommon for them to take years to spread to distant sites. Because they metastasize slowly, treatment is often applied locally with a high rate of success.
Unlike SCC, LCC often begins in the bronchi and appears on the periphery. It spreads aggressively to distant sites, which makes it more difficult than SCC for doctors to treat successfully. It is less common than other varieties of NSCLC.
Bronchial carcinoids can also form and comprise nearly 5% of all diagnosed LC cases. It is most prevalent among people under 40 years of age. The tumors associated with this type of LC are usually small and spread slowly. As a result, it is usually treated by surgically removing the affected tissue.
Besides SCLC and NSCLC, a person can also develop mesothelioma. However, while many people believe it is a type of LC, it is not. Instead, it impacts the outer lining of the lungs (called the pleura).
The primary challenge with all types of LC is treating the disease before it can metastasize. As described above, some varieties metastasize more quickly than others. If you believe you are vulnerable, speak with your doctor regarding having it diagnosed as well as possible treatment options.
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