Lung Cancer Types
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Types of Lung Cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell and small cell lung cancers are classified according to cell size and type. NSCLC accounts for nearly nine out of every 10 cases.
SCLC tends to be more aggressive and spread more rapidly than NSCLC. Therefore, your treatment options will be different, depending on which type of lung cancer you have.
Once you have been diagnosed with the disease, our experts will use advance technology and imaging tools to determine if you have SCLC or NSCLC. Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) offers numerous innovative treatment options for both SCLC and NSCLC with the goal of minimally disrupting your lifestyle.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer, which is often referred to as "oat cell" lung cancer because the cells resemble oats under the microscope, begins in the lung tissue. SCLC often spreads quickly, and accounts for less than 20 percent of lung cancers.
There are two stages of small cell lung cancer are limited and extensive. The stage of small cell lung cancer you have will be determined during the testing and staging process. Learn more about our small cell lung cancer integrative treatment program.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for nearly nine out of every 10 cases, and usually grows at a slower rate than SCLC. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer:
Squamous Cell – This type of lung cancer is found centrally in the lung and is generally linked to smoking.
Adenocarcinoma – This type of non-small cell lung cancer is found in the outer region of the lung.
Large-Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma – This type of lung cancer grows and spreads quickly and can be found anywhere in the lung. Learn more about our non-small cell lung cancer integrative treatment program.
