Non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer

Also known as: Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung; Large cell carcinoma of the lung; Adenocarcinoma of the lung; Bronchoalveolar carcinoma; Cancer, non-small cell lung

Non-small cell lung cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the lung.

There are several types of non-small cell lung cancer. Each type has different kinds of cancer cells, which grow and spread in different ways. The types of non-small cell lung cancer are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look under a microscope:
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.
  • Large cell carcinoma: cancer that may begin in several types of large cells.
  • Adenocarcinoma: cancer that begins in the cells that line the alveoli and make substances such as mucus.

Providence Thoracic Oncology Program (also known as Providence Lung Cancer Program) serves physicians and their patients who have cancers of the chest, including lung cancer. Providence Lung Cancer Clinic is a service of our Thoracic Oncology Program. 

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From the experts

Ask an Expert: Chemotherapy and insomnia

Q: I'm undergoing chemo, and though I am experiencing heavy-duty fatigue, I am also suffering from insomnia! Sometimes it's hard to fall asleep; other nights I wake up around 3 a.m. for an hour or two. My medical oncologist said chemo can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and prescribed Ambien. I don't like the idea of relying on a sleeping pill. Anything else I can do?

Answer from Miles Hassell, M.D., director of Providence Integrative Medicine at Providence Cancer Center:

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In early studies, nearly 90 percent of patients with an ALK genetic mutation responded to the drug, which targets metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. – By Rachel E. Sanborn, M.D., co-medical director, Providence Thoracic Oncology Program

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Q: "What are the different types of lung cancer and what treatments are used for each type?"

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A trial testing apricoxib with erlotinib showed longer survival in younger patients with metastatic lung cancer, but failed to meet its goal. – By Rachel E. Sanborn, M.D., medical oncologist

Recommended Resources

American Cancer Society: Cancer staging

Cancer.net (AKA: People Living with Cancer)

National Cancer Institute