Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for around 85% of all lung cancer cases. Understanding the different types of NSCLC and available treatment options is crucial for effective management of the disease.

Types of NSCLC
NSCLC is generally classified into three main types based on how the cells look under a microscope.

Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma starts in the glandular cells present in the lungs. It is the most common type of NSCLC, accounting for around 40% of all cases. Adenocarcinoma usually forms in the outer parts of the lungs.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cells line the airways in the lungs. Squamous cell carcinoma forms in these squamous cells and accounts for around 30% of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer  cases. It tends to occur centrally in the lungs.

Large Cell Carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma can occur anywhere in the lungs. It accounts for around 10-15% of NSCLC cases. Under the microscope, the cancer cells do not look like normal lung cells or other types of cancer cells such as adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

Staging and Prognosis
Staging involves using tests such as CT/PET scans and biopsy to determine if the cancer has spread from the lungs to other areas in the body. The stage ranges from 0 to IV, with higher stages indicating greater extent of spread. The stage is a key factor in determining the 5-year survival rates, which range from over 70% for stage IA to less than 5% for stage IV NSCLC.

Treatment Options
Treatment for NSCLC depends on the stage, tumor characteristics, and patient’s overall health. The main treatment options are:

Surgery
For early-stage NSCLC, surgery to remove parts of the lung (lobectomy) or the entire lung (pneumonectomy) offers the best chance of cure. Wedge resection or Segmentectomy may be used for small tumors near the edge of the lung.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is often given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and improve survival. For advanced or metastatic cancer, chemotherapy may be used to prolong life or relieve symptoms.

Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It is often used along with chemotherapy after surgery or as the primary treatment for advanced disease. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) allows high doses of radiation to be targeted directly at the tumor while sparing nearby tissues.

Targeted Drug Therapy
These are drugs that target specific vulnerabilities within cancer cells. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibody drugs. Several targeted therapies are approved for NSCLC with common mutations. They may be used along with chemotherapy or as maintenance therapy.


The treatment approach for NSCLC depends on multiple factors. Early screening and diagnosis leads to better treatment outcomes. Understanding the disease characteristics and treatment options enables making informed treatment decisions in consultation with cancer specialists. Ongoing research continues to provide newer targeted and personalized therapies to improve NSCLC survival and quality of life.

Get more insights on This Topic- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer