The short answer
The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common, and small cell lung cancer, which tends to grow and spread faster. The type guides treatment.
The two main types are non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common, about 8 in 10 cases.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) tends to grow and spread more quickly.
The two types are treated differently, so the type matters.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Lung cancer is grouped into two main types based on how the cells look under a microscope. Knowing the type is important because the two are treated differently.
The two main types
Lung cancer falls into two groups:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — the most common, about 8 in 10 cases
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) — less common, tends to grow and spread faster, strongly linked to smoking
Why the type matters
The two types behave and respond differently. Small cell lung cancer often responds to chemotherapy and radiation. Non-small cell may be treated with surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy depending on the situation.
The type of lung cancer shapes the whole treatment approach.
Biomarker testing
For non-small cell lung cancer, testing the tumor's genes can reveal specific changes that targeted therapies or immunotherapy can address. This helps match treatment to the individual cancer.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What are the two main types?
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is less common but tends to grow and spread faster.
▸How common is each?
About 8 in 10 lung cancers are non-small cell. Small cell lung cancer makes up a smaller share and is strongly linked to smoking.
▸Why does the type matter?
The two types behave differently and are treated differently. Small cell lung cancer often responds to chemotherapy and radiation, while non-small cell may be treated with surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
▸What is biomarker testing?
For non-small cell lung cancer, testing the tumor's genes can reveal changes that targeted therapies or immunotherapy can address, helping match treatment to the cancer.
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