There are two major types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The type depends on the way the cells look under a microscope. Each type grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently.
Non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is much more common. It usually spreads to different parts of the body more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma are three types of non-small cell lung cancer.
Small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer, also called oat cell cancer, accounts for about 20 percent of all lung cancer. This type grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body.