What are the most common types of lung cancer?
There are two major types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common, accounting for 75 to 80% of those seen in the United States. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less common, tends to grow more rapidly, and has a greater likelihood to have spread at diagnosis. SCLC is considered to be either limited (confined to the chest) or extensive stage (beyond the chest) at diagnosis. For limited stage SCLC, radiation is targeted to the lung cancer and given concurrently with chemotherapy. For extensive stage SCLC, radiation therapy may be given to the lung for palliation of pain, shortness of breath, or hemoptysis (coughing up blood). If initial treatment for SCLC results in a good response, radiation therapy may be directed to the brain to prevent the development of brain metastases as well. For early stage NSCLC (Stage I and II) radiation alone may be used for patients who are unable to tolerate or who are not interested in surgery. Radiation therapy is also someti
