Name

Characteristics

Cell Type and Location

Adenocarcinoma

* 40% of the NSCLC in the U S.

* The most common lung cancer among women.

* The incidence of this cancer is increasing.

*The most common type of lung cancer in people who have never smoked

* Develops in the airway tissues of the lungs.

* Specifically, the glandular secretory tissues. (Tissues that produce mucus.)

* Usually begins along the outer edges of the lungs and under the lining of the bronchi.

* Is not found in the main bronchi, like the squamous cell variety.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
(Also Called Epidermoid Carcinoma)

* Approximately 30 to 35% of the non-small cell cancer in the U.S.

*This type of cancer is linked to moking.                     

* Affects men and the elderly most frequently.

* Squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of primary lung cancer.

* Usually does not spread as quickly as other types of lung cancer.

*Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales.

* Develops from the cells that line the airways in the lungs.

* Commonly the tumor growths are located in the center of the lungs near the large airways (bronchi).

* In later stages in outer area of the lung

Large Cell Carcinoma

* These tumors usually grow quickly.      

* Account for 10% all lung cancers. 

* The cells look large and unnatural under the microscope.

* Often found in the central or outer parts of the lung

Adenosquamous Carcinoma

* About 1 to 2 percent of all lung cancer.

* Tends to metastasize early (spreads out side of the lung in which the tumor is located).

.

* Has characteristics of both Squamous and Adenocarcinoma cells

* Tumor is usually located outer edges of the lung

Undifferentiated Carcinoma

* Tends to grow quickly.

* Cells that do not look like normal cells and multiply uncontrollably.

* Can be found anywhere In the lung.