November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! During this month, it is important to educate yourself about the different types of lung cancer.
What is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?
Non-small cell lung cancer affects the cells lining the surface of the lung’s airways. Non-small cell lung cancers are usually slower growing than small cell lung cancers. The cells of a NSCLC tumor are typically larger in size.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers make up about 80% of all lung cancer cases.
Types of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Adenocarcinoma– often start in the outer region of the lung, in glands that would normally secrete mucus to help you breathe.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma– starts in the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that line the inside of the airways.
Large Cell Carcinoma– this type of lung cancer can occur anywhere in the lung and is usually aggressive.
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer.
What is Small Cell Lung Cancer?
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 to chemotherapy and radiation. Most people are diagnosed with SCLC when the disease has already spread.
Small Cell Lung Cancers are less common and only make up about 20% of all lung cancer cases.
Types of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small Cell Carcinoma– The cells of a small cell carcinoma tumor look flat under a microscope.
Combined Small Cell Carcinoma– is a tumor that’s made up of some small cell carcinoma cells and some non-small cell lung cancer cells.
Small Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of small cell lung cancer
Garden State Radiation Oncology offers treatment for lung cancer.
To contact Garden State Radiation Oncology, use the information below:
Phone: 732.240.0053
Website: gsradiationoncology.org