Types of lung cancer

Lung cancers are broadly divided into small cell or non-small cell cancers, with the non-small type being the most common. Non-small type cancers are divided into four groups:

  • Adenocarcinoma. This occurs in the outer part of the lung and often spreads to other parts of the body.
  • Bronchoalveloar-alveolar carcinoma. This occurs as a single mass or in a diffuse form.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma. This occurs in the central lung, especially the central airway or 'bronchus'.
  • Large cell carcinoma.

Small cell cancer is more aggressive, and readily grows and spread to other parts of the body.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.