Lung Cancer
Lung cancer results in the highest number of cancer deaths among both men and
women in the U.S. The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer and
small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung
cancer, but also tends to be less aggressive.
When lung cancer is diagnosed, the doctor must determine the type (small cell or non
small cell) and the extent of spread (stage) of the cancer in order to determine the best
treatment. Lung cancer may grow locally in the lungs or spread distantly (metastasize) to
other sites in the body, including lymph nodes, bones, and the brain. Determining the
presence of a lung cancer and the type of lung cancer requires examination of tissues
from the lung. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination under a
microscope.
Because of their different characteristics, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung
cancer are staged and treated differently.
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Small Cell Lung Cancer
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