Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The most common type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) affects tens of thousands of people each year. With three primary types of NSCLC, this disease accounts for about 80% of all lung cancer, the deadliest type of cancer in the U.S. among both men and women. Adenocarcinoma, the most common form of NSCLC, typically develops in the outer portion of our lungs. Our lungs remove carbon dioxide from our body and supplies oxygen to it. Although smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, other risk factors include exposure to radon gas and asbestos. Previous radiation therapy and a family or personal history of lung cancer also increases your risk. Lung cancer may not show symptoms in the beginning; however, visit your doctor if you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, see blood after you cough or have chest pain.

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QWhat are the different types of non-small cell lung cancer?

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A HealthyWomen answered
There are three types of non-small cell lung cancer:

Adenocarcinoma makes up about 40% of lung cancers. This type usually starts along the outer edges of the lungs in the small airways. People with a type of adenocarcinoma called adenocarcinoma in situ (previously called bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) generally do better than those who have other types of lung cancer. This type may be seen in both smokers and nonsmokers.

Squamous cell carcinoma makes up about 25-30% of lung cancers. These tumors are usually found in the middle of the lungs, near a major airway. It's almost always caused by smoking. Squamous cell carcinoma most often starts in cells of the central airway (bronchi), the largest branch of the lung's passages.

Large-cell (undifferentiated) carcinomas are a group of cancers with large, abnormal-looking cells. They may appear in any part of the lung.
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