Types of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 80% of patients with lung cancer. There are subgroups of this cancer, depending on how it starts in the lung.

The symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are broadly similar. For this reason, it would be useful to reveal the difference between them more clearly.

What are the Types of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Types of non-small cell lung cancer are differentiated among three main groups. This is because cancer cells grow and spread in different ways.

1. Adenocarcinoma: They normally start in cells that secrete substances such as mucus. This type of lung cancer is usually seen in patients who smoke. It is more common in women than men and is more likely to occur in younger people than other lung cancers. Since it occurs in the outer parts of the lung, the rate of diagnosis is high.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma: It begins in the squamous cells lining the airways in the lungs. It is  often associated with smoking and tends to be located in the middle of the lungs, near the bronchi.
3. Large cell carcinoma: It can occur anywhere in the lung and grow and spread faster than other species. For this reason, treatment can be relatively difficult. There is a subtype called large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.

How Is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

In patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer, the focus is on confirming the diagnosis and determining the extent of the disease if a diagnosis is made. Treatment options are determined according to the patient’s medical history, stage and general health status.

The diagnostic procedure includes the following operations:

• Patient’s history
• Physical examination
• Blood samples
• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• Biopsy

It is important to examine the pathological material before starting the treatment.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Standard treatment methods are generally not successful in this type of lung cancer. For this reason, research is carried out using the latest technology and new forms of treatment is tried. Known treatment methods such as thoracic surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy are also used. In order to make the most appropriate choice for the patient’s needs, it is ideal to conduct detailed discussions about the possible outcome and side effects of the treatment.

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