What should you know about non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer?

Non-small-cell lung cancer includes several lung cancer types. Non-squamous forms commonly include adenocarcinoma, although the exact type is confirmed by examining cells or tissue. The report may describe the tumour’s location, size, spread to lymph nodes or other organs, and features found by laboratory testing.

Biomarker results can identify changes that make targeted treatment relevant, or help clinicians consider immunotherapy. A scan and tissue findings are interpreted together; one result does not describe the whole cancer.

Ask which tissue sample established the diagnosis and whether enough material remains for biomarker testing. Your team may arrange chest imaging, scans beyond the chest, blood tests and a review by specialists. Treatment depends on stage, general health, lung function and the tumour’s biology. Options can include surgery such as Lung Lobectomy, focused radiation such as Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy, Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy.

Contact your oncology team promptly for new or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, confusion, severe weakness or difficulty staying awake. Seek emergency help for severe breathing trouble, blue lips, sudden collapse or chest pain with sweating or faintness. These symptoms need assessment regardless of whether the cancer is known to be non-squamous.

Which subtype and stage does my report show? Which biomarkers were tested, and are any results still pending? What treatment goal applies now? Would surgery, radiation, immunotherapy or targeted therapy be considered, and what side effects should I report quickly?