Like other cancer forms, lung cancer is also classified into types. Non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and large cell lung cancer are the known types of lung cancer. These are determined by the affected area of lungs and its appearance under microscopic review. These types also differ from each other on other factors like its causes, prevention and treatment.
Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Most of the lung cancers are usually non-small cell, accounting for almost 80 percent cases diagnosed with lung cancer. Besides, there are three subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer due to their different treatment.
a) Adenocarcinoma:
The subtype is also referred to as large cell carcinoma, wherein the affected region is usually the outer gland of lungs. These glands are responsible for producing mucus that looks like masses, nodules or scar cancer. Adenocarcinoma is the commonest subtype of non-small cell lung carcinoma that is generally diagnosed in women and non-smokers.
b) Squamous
Men are mostly at risk of developing small cell lung carcinoma, wherein the bronchial tube linings get affected by cancer cells. Inflammation of lungs is one of the prominent signs of the condition. In the condition, cancer cells grow slowly in squamous and advancing to invasive cancer is a prolonged process.
c) Bronchioalveolar
The rare small cell lung carcinoma subtype is a condition similar to adenocarcinoma, wherein cancer cells develop close to lungs' air sacs.
Large Cell Carcinoma
Cancer cells develop on the outer edges of the lungs in large cell carcinoma. Generally, cancer grows at a rapid pace in the condition. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment becomes significantly important. Large cell carcinoma lung cancer can be removed by chemotherapy or by radiation therapy.
Small Cell Carcinoma
Another type of lung cancer is small cell carcinoma, wherein the cancer cells are small in size. Although, cancer cells grow exponentially and affects several body parts. Eventually, a large tumour could also develop that could affect several body mechanisms. Out of all cases diagnosed with lung cancer, only 20 percent suffer from the condition. The lung cancer type is quite prominent in smokers.