New advances are turning the tide against lung cancer. These innovations include exciting new therapies that target lung cancers based on their type and genetics.
At Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, we understand that every cancer is unique. Our doctors work together to uncover details about the lung cancer type that ensure your treatment is both personalized and effective.
How We Determine Lung Cancer Type
An accurate, detailed diagnosis lays the foundation for a successful treatment plan. We use the latest diagnostic tools to gather important details about the cancer, including lung cancer type.
With tools like next-generation tumor sequencing and liquid biopsy—an innovative new blood test—we analyze cancer cells down to their DNA. These important details guide your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Read more about lung cancer diagnosis at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
Types of Lung Cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer—non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
Types of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Most lung cancers are non-small cell types. Smoking is the main risk factor for developing non-small cell lung cancer, which tends to spread slower than small cell lung cancer.
There are different subtypes of non-small cell lung cancers. Each one is named after the type of cancer cells it has and how those cells look under a microscope:
- Adenocarcinoma: About 40 percent of all lung cancers are adenocarcinomas. The cancers start in the lung’s tiny air sacs (alveoli). About 50 percent of adenocarcinomas can be treated with targeted therapies (drugs matched to the specific characteristics of each cancer).
- Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma: These cancers form in the squamous cells, which line the inside of the lungs’ airways. Squamous cell carcinoma makes up about 30 percent of all NSCLCs.
- Large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma: This type of non-small cell lung cancer can form anywhere in the lungs. It makes up 10 to 15 percent of all NSCLCs and may grow and spread quickly.
Less common NSCLCs include:
- Adenosquamous carcinoma
- Carcinoid tumor
- Salivary gland carcinoma
- Sarcomatoid carcinoma
- Unclassified carcinoma
Type of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
SCLCs make up about 13 percent of lung cancers. Smoking is a major risk factor.
Small cell lung cancers tend to grow and spread faster than NSCLCs. Around 70 percent of SCLCs have already spread by the time they are found.
Small cell lung cancer cells look small and oval-shaped under a microscope and resemble oats. There are two main subtypes:
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Small cell carcinoma (oat cell cancer)
- Combined small cell carcinoma
Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer care is not one-size-fits-all. Many important factors go into determining which lung cancer treatments are best for you, including the type of tumor you have, the genetic makeup of each tumor’s cells and whether the cancer has spread beyond the lungs.
No matter your diagnosis, we have you covered. We offer comprehensive lung cancer treatment options at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute in Lancaster, including:
The Ann B. Barshinger Institute brings together leading oncology experts, the latest treatments and technology, and hands-on, compassionate care that reflects our community values. You receive world-class care right at your doorstep, from doctors who have the time to get to know you and build trust.