the different types of lung cancer and how to differentiate

the different types of lung cancer and how to differentiate them.

Solution

Lung cancer can be differentiated into following types:

It is the most common type of lung cancer. It typically grows and spreads more slowly compared to small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is staged based on the size of the primary tumor and where the cancer has spread. Some lung cancer tumors are composed of cells from more than one type of NSCLC.

Most common types of NSCLC are:

It begins in the cells which form lining of the lungs. They have gland like properties. It is often found in the outer areas of the lungs.

Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) which was also called bronchioloalveolar carcinoma or BAC, begins in the alveoli and can spread without destroying other tissues

The smaller adenocarcinoma lung tumors are called minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA).

It begins in the thin, flat cells which line the passages of the respiratory tract. It is often found near the center of the lung in one of the main airways.

This is so called because the cells look large and rounded under a microscope. These are poorly differentiated from the above types but are faster growing form of NSCLC

These are fastest growing type of NSCLC. They form hormone-releasing cells creating an overabundance of hormones which cause various symptoms which are not seen in other cancers.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) are seen less in lung cancer cases. It is a type of neuroendocrine tumor with cells which are smaller than most other cancer cells. SCLC is staged as limited or extensive, depending on where the cancer has spread. It is a fast-growing cancer that spreads rapidly to other parts of the body. Under the microscope the cancer cells look small and are mostly filled with the nucleus.

It is a cancer of the lining of organs and not only can originate in the lungs but also the abdomen, heart, and chest. It is associated with exposure to asbestos.

It is a type of neuroendocrine tumor. There are two types: typical and atypical. They usually start in the hormone producing cells that line organs such as the small intestine but also the lungs.