Non Small Cell Lung Cancer  

Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common form of malignant tumor (cancer) that develops in the lung tissue.  It represents 75% - 80% of lung cancers. Unlike small cell lung cancer, majority of non-small-cell lung cancers are detected before the tumor has spread into other sites in the body. In fact, less than 40% of non-small-cell lung cancers are metastatic at diagnosis.   

Lung cancers are divided in two main types: small cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. Non-small-cell lung cancer is grouped in different subtype: 

• Squamous cell carcinoma - this type of cancer begins, most of the times, in the large airways, near the bronchi. The tumor tends to increase in size and block air circulation to a part of the lung, which often leads to lung failure. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 25% to 30% of all lung cancers.  

• Adenocarcinoma - this type of non-small-cell lung cancer is very common in women who smoke and those who expose frequently to cigarette smoke (second hand smoke). Adenocarcinoma represents about 40% of lung cancers, and usually begins in the outer part of the lung.   

• Large cell carcinoma - this type of non-small-cell lung cancer can develop in any tissue of the lung. Unlike the other types, large cell carcinoma is more difficult to treat, and tends to grow and spread quickly. It is the most aggressive form of non-small-cell lung cancer.  

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