Types of Lung Cancer

The two main types of lung cancer are known as small cell and non-small cell. Lung cancer types are classified based on how they look under a microscope. Within the non-small cell classification, there are several types of cancer. The categories of non-small cell lung cancer include squamous cell, adenocarcinoma and large cell.

• Non-Small Cell Cancer
  
  Within the non-small cell category, there are several types of cancer, or carcinoma.
  
  
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma
    
    Squamous cell cancer is one that begins in thin and flat (squamous) cells of the lung.
    
    
  • Adenocarcinoma
    
    Adenocarcinoma begins in the glandular cells, which are special cells that produce hormones.
    
    
  • Large Cell Carcinoma
    
    Large cell cancer is found in the large cells of the lungs.
    
    
• Small Cell Cancer
  
  Small cell lung cancer, the other major type of lung cancer, has cells that appear small and round under the microscope.