Types of Lung Cancer

Illustration of Types of Lung Cancer

Types of Lung Cancer. There are two main types of lung cancer, which behave differently and require different handling. Lung cancer is broadly classified into two types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This classification is based on the picture of the tumor cells under a microscope. 2 types of lung cancer is growing, spreading, and handled in a different way. It is therefore important to distinguish these two species. Lung Cancer Symptoms.

1. Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), subdivided

Squamous cell carcinoma: This type is the most common type of lung cancer. It develops in the cells that lined the airways. This type of cancer is often caused by smoking. This type was originally more common than adenocarcinomas, currently accounting for about 30% of all cases of NSCLC. Squamous cell carcinoma is also known as epidermoid carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinoma most commonly grown in the central area of ​​the lung, the bronchi (the largest branch of the trachea (windpipe) that leads to the lungs), most often spreads to all parts of the lungs, and grow large enough to form a hole.

Adenocarcinoma: This type develops from the cells that produce mucus (sputum) on the surface of the airways (airways). This type of cancer is more common. NSCLC is the most common type, approximately 30-40% of all cases of NSCLC. This type mainly occurs in women and those who do not smoke. Most cases of adenocarcinomas grown in the outer edges or lungs. This type has a tendency to spread to the lymph (lymph nodes) and distant areas of the lungs.

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is a sub-type of adenocarcinoma that frequently occur in several places in the lungs and spread to the walls of the alveoli (thin bubble that is the end of the line pernfasan and is the site of gas exchange). In the X-ray thorax (chest x-ray picture) the picture looks like pneumonia (inflammation of the lung, where the alveoli absorb oxygen which serves filled with fluid).

Large cell carcinoma: This cancer cells form under the microscope as the name implies: a large round cells. Often referred to as undifferentiated carcinoma. Sometimes referred to as undifferentiated carcinomas, are the least common type of NSCLC that happens, accounting for 10% -15% of all lung cancer cases. This species has a high tendency to spread to the lymph (lymph nodes) and distant areas of the lungs.

• Mixed tumor (mixed tumor)

On this type seem NSCLC mixture of several different types.

1. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

More than 80% of lung cancer cases are NSCLC types. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, the thin membrane lining the chest (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Sometimes occurs in people who are exposed to asbestos. Several other types of cancer can grow in the lungs. This type is less common than with SCLC and NSCLC, the overall total is only 5-10% of all lung cancer cases.

Bronchial carcinoids

These tumors are generally small (3-4 cm) when diagnosed and occur most often under the age of 40 years, and was not related to smoking. Carcinoid to metastasize, and a small portion of these tumors secrete hormone-like substances. Carcinoid generally grow and spread more slowly than bronchogenic cancers (SCLC and NSCLC). Most of them are detected early enough so as to allow the operation disposed of.
Connective tissue cancers in the lung, such as smooth muscle or blood vessels, and cells involved in the body's immune response.