Types of Lung Cancer
Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
is more common than small cell lung cancer accounting for
approximately 85% of all cases of lung cancer. Non Small Cell
Lung Cancer generally grows and spreads more slowly than Small
Cell Lung Cancer. There are three main types of non-small
cell lung cancer. They are named for the type of cells in
which the cancer develops: squamous cell carcinoma (also called
epidermoid carcinoma), adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma: Usually beginning in the mucous glands,
adenocarcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed type of lung
tumor, accounting for forty percent of all cases. Women are
more likely to develop adenocarcinoma than any other Non Small
Cell Lung Cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:Squamous cell carcinoma causes
30 to 35 percent of all cases. Slow growing, squamous cell
carcinoma usually begins in the bronchial tubes, and diseased
nodules tend to be clumped together.
Large Cell Carcinoma: The least common form of Non
Small Cell Lung Cancer, large cell carcinoma occurs in approximately
five to fifteen percent of all cases. Tumors may develop in
isolation, or in masses. The prognosis is worse than for squamous
carcinomas, and tumors tend to be large at the time of diagnosis.
Undifferentiated:The variety of Non Small Cell Lung
Cancer cannot be determined. As Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
classifications are all treated in much the same way, an undifferentiated
diagnosis does not usually affect treatment outcome.
Cigarettes, radon and asbestos exposure are the leading causes
of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. Surgical removal of the diseased
tissue is the usual treatment option, although radiation therapy
and chemotherapy may also be used, depending on tumor growth
and spread.
Notice the abundance of pink cell contents (cytoplasm) around
the round blue nuclei. This makes the cells "Large."
Non-small cell lung cancer
See a
picture of Small Cell Lung Cancer...
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