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  6. Types of Lung Cancer

Types of Lung Cancer

No two lung cancers are the same. There are different types and subtypes of lung cancer.
Female doctor looks at chest X-ray Female doctor looks at chest X-ray

What Are the Types of Lung Cancer?

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A third less common type of lung cancer is called carcinoid.

Tree chart showing subsets the two main types of lung cancer. Small cell: small cell carcinoma (oat cell cancer) and combined small cell carcinoma. Non-Small Cell: Adenocarcinoma, Squamous Cell and Large Cell.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

There are two different types of small cell lung cancer: small cell carcinoma and mixed small cell/large cell cancer or combined small cell lung cancer. The types of 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. Small cell lung cancer is almost always associated with cigarette smoking.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Non-small cell lung cancer is more common. It makes up about 80 percent of lung cancer cases. This type of cancer usually grows and spreads to other parts of the body more slowly than small cell lung cancer does. There are three different types of NSCLC:

  1. Adenocarcinoma: A form of NSCLC often found in an outer area of the lung. It develops in the cells of epithelial tissues, which line the cavities and surfaces of the body and form glands.
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma: A form of NSCLC usually found in the center of the lung next to an air tube (bronchus).
  3. Large cell carcinoma: A form of NSCLC that can occur in any part of the lung and tends to grow and spread faster than adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

The above subtypes are the most common, but when your lung cancer tumor is looked at under a microscope, it might reveal even more specific information about the subtype. Some non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are driven by specific biomarkers, or genetic changes in the tumor’s DNA that helps doctors choose treatments designed to target those changes. Testing results may include alterations such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and others. 

Biomarker testing is now a standard part of NSCLC care, especially for adenocarcinoma, because it can open the door to highly effective targeted therapies. To learn why testing matters and what it means for treatment, visit our biomarker testing page. 

Work with your doctor to understand exactly which type of lung cancer you have and what it means for your treatment options.

Other Types of Lung Cancer

Pancoast tumors, also known as superior sulcus tumors, grow in the upper part of the lung and interfere with the structures around it. These tumors are rare and most always NSCLC. However, they can be tumors from other diseases like lymphoma or tuberculosis. 

Pancoast tumors may be treated with:

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) of the lung, also known as carcinoid tumors, are a group of rare tumors that start in the neuroendocrine cells of the lungs. Neuroendocrine cells are specialized cells found throughout the body that help regulate breathing and other vital functions, and depending on their locations, can also be gastrointestinal cancers, pancreatic cancers, and more. This makes lung NETs special and different from most other types of lung cancer. 

While they behave differently from the more common non-small cell and small cell lung cancers, Lung NETs can still cause symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, or recurrent infections. 

If you’ve just learned about the main types of lung cancer and want to understand this unique group more clearly, visit our Lung NETs information page for guidance, treatment insights, and support tailored to people living with these rare tumors.

Just as each person is unique, each type of lung cancer is different. It is important to know the type of lung cancer you have, sometimes called “your lung cancer profile” because it helps determine what lung cancer treatment options are available depending on tumor type, size, stage, and overall health.

Lung cancer research is happening at a rapid pace, and your doctor should be up to date on the recommendations for your specific type of lung cancer. If you don’t feel comfortable with the answers you are receiving, do not hesitate to seek out a second opinion.

What is lung cancer?

To learn more about lung cancer diagnostic procedures, check out our What is Lung Cancer? flipchart.
View the flipchart

Page last updated: June 26, 2026

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