The main types of lung cancer

The type comes from a pathologist's examination of cells or tissue. Stage is a separate description of where the cancer is located and whether it has spread. Both pieces of information are needed because two lung cancers in the same organ may require different treatment approaches.

Non-small cell lung cancer includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and less common subtypes. Small cell lung cancer has a different growth pattern and is planned with its own staging and treatment approach. Other rare tumours can arise in the lung, so the exact pathology wording matters.

For suitable non-small cell cancers, genomic tumour profiling looks for changes that may match a targeted medicine. Testing may also assess a protein called PD-L1 to inform immunotherapy discussions. A biomarker result does not work alone: the team interprets it with subtype, stage, previous treatment, health and treatment goals.

Lung cancer can present with a persistent cough, breathlessness, chest discomfort, coughing blood or a hoarse voice, although some people have few symptoms at diagnosis. When it spreads to the brain, possible effects include headache, seizures, weakness or changes in thinking; these require clinical assessment rather than assumptions about cause.

Obtain the pathology report and ask whether enough tissue remains for recommended biomarker testing. Depending on type, stage and fitness, options may include lung lobectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or combinations. Palliative care can support symptom control and decision-making alongside cancer-directed treatment at any stage.

Write down breathing symptoms, pain, appetite changes and what daily activities have become difficult. Tell the team about all medicines and smoking or exposure history because this context can affect lung function assessment and treatment preparation. If you currently smoke, support to stop can still improve breathing and recovery.

Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain with sweating or faintness, coughing up more than a small streak of blood, a seizure, sudden one-sided weakness or new severe confusion. Urgency comes from the symptom and its severity, not from whether cancer is common or uncommon.

Contact your oncology team promptly for worsening breathlessness, fever during systemic treatment, inability to keep fluids down, uncontrolled pain or a rapid decline in activity. Follow any treatment-specific emergency instructions you have been given.

Confirm the exact cancer subtype, stage and biomarker results, including any tests still in progress. Ask which options aim to remove or control the cancer, why the proposed sequence suits your situation, how lung function affects the plan, and whom to contact if symptoms change between appointments.