Types Of Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide by Dr. Arvind Kumar

Among the different types of fatal cancer types, lung cancer contributes to the maximum number of cancer-related deaths. One of the main reasons this happens is the symptoms often overlooked by the patients.

Not just that, in many patients, the symptoms of lung cancer don’t even present themselves until it has reached a much more advanced stage. This warrants the need for early detection and tailored treatment plans. The first step in that process is knowing about the different types of lung cancer and their associated risk factors.

In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Arvind Kumar, a world-renowned thoracic surgeon and lung cancer specialist, will provide a better look into the types of lung cancer, their symptoms and different treatment approaches.

What Are The Two Major Categories Of Lung Cancer?

While there are different subtypes, you need to be aware of the two major categories of lung cancer: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and the other type is Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).

These two types have further subtypes, each of which comes with risk factors that you need to be aware of. Among the two major types of lung cancers, SCLC is usually the more aggressive form, which contributes to more cases of fatalities.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – More Prevalent Form of Lung Cancer

NSCLC is the most commonly diagnosed type of lung cancer, comprising about 85% of all cases. It grows more slowly than SCLC, making it easier to treat if detected early. NSCLC itself is divided into several subtypes, each with distinct characteristics.

It is further categorised into a few subtypes, depending on the risk factor, cancer’s location and symptoms.

1. Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent form of NSCLC, accounting for almost 40% of lung cancer cases. In this condition, the cancer usually originates in the glandular cells lining the airways, which produce mucus. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in the outer regions of the lungs and is increasingly common in younger, non-smoking individuals.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Mild shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Usually, the symptoms start off with mild and subtle symptoms, explaining why most patients brush them off. However, over time, the condition can worsen, leading to further complexities and more noticeable symptoms.

Risk Factors:

While smoking remains a significant contributor, adenocarcinoma has been linked to environmental exposures like radon gas, air pollution, and genetic predisposition.

Treatment:

The treatment approach for adenocarcinoma starts with an initial consultation with Dr. Arvind Kumar. Understanding the severity of the condition is crucial before a treatment plan is curated for the patient. Numerous diagnostic tests accompany the consultation too to determine the size of the tumour, potential spread and severity.

Treatments include surgery to remove localised tumours, targeted therapies such as EGFR and ALK inhibitors, immunotherapy, and traditional chemotherapy. One of the best things about adenocarcinoma is that early detection often helps improve the chances of remission and better survival rates for the patient.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Another common type of NSCLC is squamous cell carcinoma, which usually originates in the squamous cells found in the airways near the central part of the lungs. Among the total lung cancer cases, this accounts for around 25-30% of the cases.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood or hemoptysis
• Frequent lung infections
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe fatigue
• Chest discomfort

Risk Factors:

Prolonged tobacco use is the primary risk factor. Exposure to industrial chemicals like asbestos and silica dust further increases the risk.

Treatment:

Since this is a more advanced type of lung cancer compared to adenocarcinoma, the first line of treatment starts with surgical resection wherever possible. The surgery is then followed up with radiation therapy or chemotherapy to further obliterate the remainder of the cancerous cells, especially in the advanced stages.

Furthermore, some studies indicate recent advances in immunotherapy that are showing practical improvements to the symptoms.

3. Large Cell Carcinoma

Among the different subtypes of NSCLC, large cell carcinoma is the rarest. This type of lung cancer is known for its aggressive growth and rapid spread, explaining why an early diagnosis is vital in optimal management of the disease.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Chronic coughing
• Systemic symptoms like weight loss and night sweats

Risk Factors:

Smoking is the most common risk factor, but exposure to radon and airborne carcinogens can also contribute.

Treatment:

Since large cell carcinoma is a lot more aggressive and usually spreads fast, chemotherapy and radiation are two of the most effective forms of treatment. Further monitoring is involved in following these primary treatments. While early stages of large cell carcinoma can be treated with surgical interventions, advanced stages often involve palliative care for the patient’s comfort.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – More Advanced and Aggressive Form of Lung Cancer

The following primary type of lung cancer worth highlighting is small cell lung cancer, or SCLC. It is highly aggressive and often spreads to other parts of the body before diagnosis. It accounts for approximately 10–15% of all lung cancer cases and is closely associated with lung cancer from smoking.

SCLC typically originates in the bronchi (airways) and is divided into two clinical stages:

• Limited-stage SCLC, where cancer is confined to one lung and nearby lymph nodes.
• Extensive-stage SCLC, where the disease has spread beyond the chest cavity.

Some of the symptoms of SCLC include:

• Persistent coughing
• Wheezing and difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness due to nerve involvement
• Facial swelling (caused by blockage of the superior vena cava)
• Generalised weakness and fatigue

Treatment Options:

Much like large cell carcinoma, even SCLC is also an aggressive form of lung cancer, explaining the need for a much more rigorous treatment regimen. There are reports that depict that SCLC is usually diagnosed in the advanced stages since the cancer spreads a lot quicker, too.

There are three primary treatment options available for SCLC, including:

• Chemotherapy is the cornerstone of SCLC treatment because it effectively targets rapidly dividing cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy is often combined with chemotherapy to improve survival rates.
• Immunotherapy, such as PD-L1 inhibitors, has emerged as a promising option for recurrent or advanced cases.

During your consultation and treatment under Dr. Arvind Kumar, you will also learn about the multimodal treatment approach to treating small cell lung cancer. Since the condition is so aggressive and the cancer cells metastasise quicker, monitoring and follow-up treatment is vital.

What Are the Rare Types of Lung Cancer?

Beyond these more prevalent and known types of lung cancer, there are a few different rare forms of lung cancer that one should be aware of.

These rare lung cancer types are pretty hard to diagnose and require specialised treatment approaches, too.

1. Lung Carcinoid Tumours

Carcinoid tumours arise from neuroendocrine cells, representing less than 5% of all lung cancers. They are typically slow-growing and have a high survival rate when diagnosed early.

Unlike the other lung cancer types, where symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath, patients suffering from lung carcinoid tumours suffer from symptoms like flushing, diarrhoea, and respiratory issues.

Surgical resection is the most common form of treatment if the tumours are localised in the lungs. The reason surgery is also a more viable option is because these tumours are less responsive to chemotherapy and radiation.

2. Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and is strongly linked to asbestos exposure. While rare, it is highly aggressive and often diagnosed in advanced stages.

In this condition, some telltale signs you should watch out for are pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs), chest pain, persistent cough, and shortness of breath.

Due to the aggressive and advanced nature of the lung cancer type, the condition involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for treating the condition. Usually, prognosis for the patient suffering from mesothelioma depends on the stage at diagnosis.

3. Sarcomatoid Carcinomas

Last but not least is sarcomatoid carcinoma, which is the most rare type of lung cancer that presents the dual nature of carcinoma and sarcoma. While the condition can develop in many parts of the body, its origin is usually more common in the lungs.

The unique identity of this type of lung cancer is via the spindle-shaped cells, and the condition also has a poor prognosis due to its rareness and aggressiveness.

For patients diagnosed with this type of cancer, the treatment approach usually involves a combination of surgery and adjuvant therapies. However, outcomes are typically less favourable than other types of lung cancer.

Prevention and Early Detection of Lung Cancer

As a leading thoracic surgeon and lung cancer specialist, Dr. Arvind Kumar emphasises one thing – Early detection.

Since lung cancer is such an aggressive form of cancer, causing the most amount of cancer-related deaths, early detection provides the patient with a chance to recover and fight against the disease before it slips out of control.

While lung cancer can be devastating, several measures can reduce the risk:

• Since smoking is one of the leading risk factors behind the development of lung cancer, that’s the first thing you need to cut out of your life.
• Several environmental risks are contributing to the rising risks of lung cancer, including exposure to chemicals like radon, asbestos, etc. Also, lung cancer from air pollution is a major contributor. You have to find ways to minimise the impacts of these environmental triggers.
• If you are a high-risk individual for lung cancer, for example, a long-term smoker, genetic predisposition, etc., ensure to undergo annual low-dose CT scans for early detection.

Eradicate the Risks of Lung Cancer with Holistic Treatment

Early detection is key to successful lung cancer treatment. If you have any concerns about your lung health or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, schedule a consultation with Dr. Arvind Kumar.

Dr. Kumar is a leading thoracic surgeon and lung cancer specialist with extensive experience in diagnosis and treatment. You can avail of personalised guidance and a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Visit us or call us at +91-9773635888 to book an appointment today and take control of your lung health.