Types of Lung Cancer
There are two major types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Within these two types of lung cancer, there are different stages that represent the progression of the disease within the body.
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer, and it makes up approximately 80 percent of all cases of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is seen less often and nearly always affects heavy smokers.
Small cell lung cancer is divided into two basic stages, and non-small cell lung cancer is divided into four different stages. Treatments for lung cancer vary depending on the type and stage at the time of diagnosis, as does the prognosis for survival.
Types of Lung Cancer - Small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer, or oat cell carcinoma, is found almost exclusively in heavy smokers. Although it is the least common type of lung cancer, it can be more deadly.
Small cell lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body very quickly, which makes it difficult to treat and cure. There are two stages of small cell lung cancer: limited disease and extensive disease.
Limited disease is the lesser degree of small cell lung cancer. With chemotherapy, nearly 40 percent of patients live at least 2 years after diagnosis.
Extensive disease is the more serious level of small cell lung cancer. Even when treated with chemotherapy, it is rare for a patient with this type of lung cancer to survive more than one year.
Types of Lung Cancer - Non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is basically a catch-all category for any form of lung cancer that is not classified as small cell lung cancer. These types of lung cancer are placed into one of four categories after diagnosis, depending on how big the tumor is and how far the cancer has spread:
• Stage 1 is the mildest form of non-small cell lung cancer. It has a good prognosis with treatment, which includes surgery, and possibly chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Stage 2 lung cancer means that the cancer has spread from the lungs to nearby lymph nodes or into the chest wall. This cancer is also quite treatable - with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy - and has a fairly good chance for survival.
• Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer is divided into two smaller categories, Stage 3A and Stage 3B. In Stage 3A, the cancer has spread into the chest and is only sometimes treated with surgery. By Stage 3B, cancer can be found in areas outside the chest, and the tumor has grown to a size that is not practical for surgical removal. At this point, the most common treatment is a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Stage 4 lung cancer is a very serious and advanced form of cancer with a generally poor prognosis for survival. At this stage, the cancer has traveled to other parts of the body including the bones, brain and liver. Stage 4 lung cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy alone, but may also include radiation therapy, target drug therapy and participation in clinical trials.