If you have read anything about the different types of lung cancer you will have read that they are separated into two main types. Non small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
Non-small cell is the predominent form of cancer, however within it there are different types and therefore it can be treated differently depending on which one it is. The only way you will know what treatment you will require is by seeing your oncologist.
The most important thing about lung cancer and any cancer for that matter is a positive mindset. No matter what stage of lung cancer you at there will be treatment options available to you.
SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (SCLC)
Small cell lung cancer accounts for 20% of all cases of lung cancer and it is nearly always caused by smoking. Cells start off small, but they rapidly multiply and cause tumors.
NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC)
Non- small cell lung cancer is by far the most common type of lung cancer. It accounts for around 80% of all lung cancer cases. Not all Non-Small cell lung cancer cases are the same however, there are the following different types:
- Squamous cell carcinoma – Among Non-small cell lung cancer types this is the most common. Among men it is also the most common type of lung cancer. This cancer forms the lining of the bronchial tubes and it is also referred to as epidermoid carcinoma.
- Adenocarcinoma. This is the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer in women, as well as among people who have never actually smoked. It is found in the lung glands that produce mucus.
- Bronchioalveolar carcinoma- This small cell lung cancer is actually a subset of adenocarinoma and the cases of it are quite rare. It can be found in the lung air sacs of suffers and has shown to be quite responsive to newer technologies.
- Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma- Formed near the surface area or edges of the lungs, this cancer has be known to rapidly expand.