Different Types of Lung Cancer
All the different types of lung cancer can be classified under two categories—non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer—depending on the appearance of the
cancer cells under a microscope. Each type requires different
cancer treatments. Some types might spread; these require more aggressive treatments. If metastasis is present, the chest might be affected since lymph flows out of the lungs toward the chest. The majority of the different types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer. This category includes squamous cell carcinoma, or epidermoid carcinoma, which is the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer and develops in the bronchial tube lining. It is the most common form of the disease among the male population. Adenocarcinoma, on the other hand, which develops in the mucus-producing glands of the lungs, is the most common type among females and non-smokers. Another type of non-small cell lung cancer is bronchioalveolar carcinoma. It develops near the air sacs of the lungs, while large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma develops around the surface of the lungs. The other major category of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, is not as common as its counterpart with larger cells. However, the different types of lung cancer found under this category multiply rapidly and produce large
tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. The usual risk factor is smoking, when it comes to the small cell varieties. In general, people who are at risk of developing the different types of lung cancer have been (or are) smokers, have had exposure to chemicals like asbestos and radon, have a family history of the disease, or have been receivers of second-hand smoke.
