Types Of Lung Cancer
Are there different types of lung cancer?
There are two major types of lung cancer: non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. This is a diagnosis that is made epistologically by the pathologist. So the pathologist would look at the cancer cells under a microscope, and a distinction is made between small cell and non-small cell lung cancer.
What is the most common type of lung cancer?
Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 80% of lung cancer cases. The remaining 20% would be due to small cell lung cancer. So, within non-small lung cancer there are several sub types that are included, and these would include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Those two would be the most common non-small cell types. In addition, other types would include large cell lung cancer and carcinoid tumours.
What is 'mesothelioma'?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining of the inner chest wall and the lung itself. This lining is called the plura, so this is a pleura-based malignancy and is called mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is thought to be the leading cause of mesothelioma, but it's important to note that asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, and that the incidence of lung cancers are far greater than mesothelioma.
What is 'bronchioloalveolar carcinoma' or 'BAC'?
Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, often referred to as BAC, is a subtype of adenocarcinoma. There are approximately 10-25% of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma of the total adenocarcinomas. This is thought to account for a total of approximately 10% of all lung cancer.