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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