There are two main types oflung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Each throw in looks, grows, and spreads differently.
They are also treated in different ways.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
This article discusses the differences betweensmall cell lung cancerandnon-small cell lung cancer.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
What Is Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)?
Like its name suggests, small cell lung cancer contains cells that are smaller in size.
SCLC tends to grow and spread in the body quickly, but usually responds well tochemotherapyandradiation.
Most people are diagnosed with SCLC when the disease has already spread.
There are two sub-types of SCLC: small cell carcinoma and combined small cell carcinoma.
These groups are categorized based on how their cells look under a microscope.
What Is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)?
The cells of a NSCLC tumor are typically larger in size.
There are three main subtypes of NSCLC: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas.
Theyre the most common form of lung cancer.
About 30% of all lung cancers and 40% of NSCLCs are adenocarcinomas.
About 25% to 30% of NSCLCs are squamous cell carcinomas.
Other Types
There are other, more rare forms of lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Rates Decreasing
The number of new lung cancer cases has been decreasing in recent years.
Experts believe this could be due to more people quitting smoking.
In fact, smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer.
Researchers estimate that as many as 90% of lung cancers could be prevented if people didnt smoke cigarettes.
Nearly all cases of SCLC are due to smoking.
Lung Cancer in Older People
Lung cancer mainly affects older people.
The average age at diagnosis is 70 years old.
Symptoms
Symptoms ofNSCLCand SCLC usually dont show up until the cancer has spread in the body.
Staging for NSCLC involves using a numeric system that ranges from 0-4.
The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread.
These letters stand for:
The staging system for SCLCs is typically less complex.
Treatment
The treatments you receive might depend on whether you have SCLC or NSCLC.
Chemotherapy is often the main treatment choice for people with SCLC.
Some treatment options for NSCLC include:
Outlook
Survival rates are different for SCLC and NSCLC.
Summary
Lung cancer is a complex disease that includes different types and subtypes.
Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are the two main forms.
While they share some similarities, distinct characteristics set them apart.
Small cell lung cancer is usually more aggressive with a poorer outlook than non-small cell lung cancer.
Remember that statistics are only statistics and dont represent your individual case.
Frequently Asked Questions
SCLC usually has a worse prognosis when compared to NSCLC.
If SCLC is diagnosed and treated early, it can be curable.
NSCLC can be cured if its found and treated at an early stage.
The rate at which cancer grows varies from person to person.
In general, it takes about four months for most lung cancers to double their size.
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