Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (also called Non Small Cell Carcinoma) is the most common type of lung cancer with around 80% of people with lung cancer having this type.

For those people with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer there are three different types of non small cell lung cancer. The different types of this cancer have been historically been grouped together because it was thought that they behaved and responded to treatment in similar ways. However, as we are understanding the cancers better, we are finding out that they actually behave and respons to treatments slightly differently. You will need to speak to your specialist doctor or Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist if you have any questions with regards to this.

The three main types of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer are:

    * Squamous cell carcinoma;
    * Adenocarcinoma;
    * Large cell carcinoma.

Sometimes it is not possible to determine exactly what type of lung cancer a person has for a number of reasons. Sometimes when a biopsy is taken there may not be enough tissue for analysis. Sometimes the quality of the sample that was taken is not good enough to examine under the microscope. Sometimes the cells are not developed enough. Sometimes, the pathologist is unable to state what sort of cancer it is.

When a biopsy is taken it is very important for the specialist to know not only what type it is but also if it is expressing a particular gene. This is called an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (also known as EGFR). It is crucial to know if the cancer is growing because of this gene abnormality as this can be targeted with specific oral medication (see Erlotinib, Gefitinib and Afatinib in the Treatments for Lung Cancer Section). More information about EGFR testing can be found by clicking here.

The treatment options can vary from having intravenous chemotherapy, sometimes with vitamin supplementation, to having an oral therapy . More information can be found in the Treatments for Lung Cancer section.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer. It develops from the cells that line the airways and it is often found near the centre of the lung in one of the main airways (the left or right bronchus). This type of cancer is often due to smoking. The number of people developing squamous cell lung cancer is going down in the UK.


Adenocarcinoma also develops from the cells that line the airways. But it develops from a particular type of cell that produces mucus (phlegm). It is often found in the outer areas of the lungs. The number of people developing adenocarcinoma is increasing and it may soon become more common in the UK than squamous cell lung cancer.
Large cell carcinoma

Large Cell Carcinoma is called this because the cells look large and rounded under a microscope. This type of lung cancer tends to grow quite quickly.

Please speak to your Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist for more information.