There are several types of non-small cell lung cancer. Each type of non-small cell lung cancer has different kinds of cancer cells. The cancer cells of each type grow and spread in different ways. The types of non-small cell lung cancer are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look when viewed under a microscope:
Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in cells that have glandular (secretory) properties.
Large cell carcinoma: Cancer in which the cells are large and look abnormal when viewed under a microscope.
Adenosquamous carcinoma: Cancer that begins in cells that look flattened when viewed under a microscope. These cells also have glandular (secretory) properties.
Pleomorphic, sarcomatoid, or sarcomatous carcinoma: A group of cancers in which the cells look abnormal when viewed under a microscope.
Carcinoid tumor: A slow-growing neuroendocrine tumor (cancer that begins in cells that release a hormone in response to a signal from the nervous system).
Salivary gland carcinoma: Cancer that begins in salivary gland cells in large airways of the lung.
Unclassified carcinoma: Cancer that does not fit into a specific group.
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