Different Types of Lung Cancer:
"There are 2 main types of lung cancer and they are treated very differently.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
About 80% to 85% of lung cancers are NSCLC. The main subtypes of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. These subtypes, which start from different types of lung cells are grouped together as NSCLC because their treatment and prognoses (outlook) are often similar.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
About 10% to 15% of all lung cancers are SCLC and it is sometimes called oat cell cancer.
This type of lung cancer tends to grow and spread faster than NSCLC. About 70% of people with SCLC will have cancer that has already spread at the time they are diagnosed. Since this cancer grows quickly, it tends to respond well to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, for most people, the cancer will return at some point."
(Visit What is Lung Cancer?, American Cancer Society, for more information).
Types of Treatments
Treatment options will depend on the lung cancer type and its stage of advancement.
Common Treatments for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
"The treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are based mainly on the stage (extent) of the cancer, but other factors, such as a person’s overall health and lung function, as well as certain traits of the cancer itself, are also important. In many cases, more than one of type of treatment is used" (Visit Treatment Choices for Non-Small cell Lung Cancer, by Stage, American Cancer Society, for more information).
Common Treatments for Small Cell Lung Cancer
"The treatment options for SCLC are based mainly on the stage (extent) of the cancer, but other factors, such as a person’s overall health and lung function are also important. Sometimes, more than one of type of treatment is used. If you have SCLC, you will probably get chemotherapy if you are healthy enough. If you have limited stage disease, radiation therapy and – rarely – surgery may be options as well. People with extensive stage disease often receive chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy" (Visit Treatment Choices for Small Cell Lung Cancer, by Stage, American Cancer Society, for more information).
Caring For a Loved One with Lung Cancer
For Caregivers: Practical Tips for Coping with Your Loved One’s Lung Cancer - CancerCare
This CancerCare podcast gives tips for coping with a loved one's lung cancer, including helping manage your loved one's treatment, handling holidays and special occasions, working with the health care team, and more.
Coping with Lung Cancer -CancerCare
This factsheet includes a description of lung cancer, treatment options, and tips for
communicating with your healthcare team. CancerCare lists resources for emotional support and
financial assistance, such as the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition and the Partnership for
Prescription Assistance.
Caring For a Loved One with Lung Cancer
For Caregivers: Practical Tips for Coping with Your Loved One’s Lung Cancer - CancerCare
This CancerCare podcast gives tips for coping with a loved one's lung cancer, including helping manage your loved one's treatment, handling holidays and special occasions, working with the health care team, and more.
Caring for Your Loved One With Lung Cancer -CancerCare
This factsheet provides helpful information for lung cancer caregivers. These tips include being aware of “information overload,” societal stigma, and self-care.