Types of lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. These names describe cell appearance and growth patterns seen in pathology. Small cell lung cancer has a different cell pattern and often behaves more rapidly, so its treatment pathway can differ. A tumour’s location, size, spread, general health, and molecular features also shape the diagnosis and plan.

Symptoms vary. A persistent cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, or a hoarse voice can occur with lung cancer, but these symptoms also have many other causes. A hoarse voice is not proof of lung cancer. Spread beyond the lung may cause problems in other parts of the body, including the brain, and is assessed with appropriate imaging and examination.

Diagnosis usually combines imaging with a sample examined by a pathologist. Ask whether genomic tumour profiling is appropriate, because molecular findings can influence treatment choices in some non-small cell cancers. Depending on the tumour and its stage, care may include surgery such as lung lobectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or other systemic treatment. Palliative care can support symptoms and quality of life at any stage.

Arrange medical review for a cough that persists, unexplained breathlessness, chest pain, repeated chest infections, coughing blood, or a voice change that does not settle. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, significant bleeding, new confusion, weakness on one side, or collapse.

Which lung cancer group and subtype is present? What tests show whether it has spread? Is genomic profiling suitable for my tumour? What is the aim of each proposed treatment, and how will side effects be monitored? Would symptom-support services help now?