Lung cancer is broadly classified into two main types based on size & appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope.
1. Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-
- Adenocarcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Large cell carcinoma
2. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)-
|
Lung cancer |
Smoking history (Mnemonic: SSS) |
Marker |
|
Adenocarcinoma (Mnemonic: AAA) |
Absent |
- NAPSIN A - TTF 1 |
|
Squamous cell carcinoma |
Present |
- p40 - p63 |
|
Small cell carcinoma (Oat cell carcinoma) |
Present |
- Synaptophysin - Chromogranin - CD57 |
|
Large cell carcinoma |
Absent |
- |
NOTE: In women & non-smokers adenocarcinoma is most common.