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Small Cell Lung Cancer vs. Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: What’s the Difference?

From a distance, lung cancer may seem straightforward and cut-and-dried. The name itself sparks an immediate mental image of the balloon-like organ located in the chest cavity. It’s common knowledge that tobacco smoke is the leading cause of lung cancer, and that it is amongst the most common type of cancer. While these are great facts for the public to know offhand, there is actually quite a bit more information about lung cancer that is less commonly known.

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 Small Cell vs. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: How Do They Differ?

Small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell (NSCLC) are the two main types of lung cancer. While the causes and risk factors are similar, symptoms, staging, and treatment all differ for both types. The outlook for SCLC and NSCLC is also different.

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Types of lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) Around 15 to 20 out of every 100 lung cancers (around 15 to 20%) diagnosed are this type. It is usually caused by smoking. These cancers tend to spread quite early on. Small cell lung cancers are also classed as neuroendocrine tumours. Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare tumours that develop in cells of the neuroendocrine system. In small cell lung cancer, the tumour starts in the neuroendocrine cells of the lung.

Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer—Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment of non-small and small cell types.

What are the Differences Between Small Cell and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

The main difference in the 2 main types of lung cancer is the way the cells appear under a microscope. SCLC cells appears as flat and smaller than cancer cells in NSCLC. SCLC typically grows faster than NSCLC and often spreads to the lymph nodes. In nearly 3 in 4 patients with SCLC, the cancer already spread by the time of diagnosis. NSCLC often grows at a slower rate and causes less symptoms.

What Is the Difference Between Small Cell Lung Cancer Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Small cell lung cancer, also known as oat cell cancer, is more uncommon, accounting for the other 15 percent of lung cancer cases. When viewed under a microscope, the cancerous cells of this disease appear round and undersized in comparison with non-small cell lung cancer. The small cell malignancy typically originates in the bronchi in the middle of the chest. Small cell lung cancer tends to grow more quickly and often spreads to the lymph nodes or other organs, and it is also typically more responsive to chemotherapy.

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Johns Hopkins Medicine

The most common types of lung cancer include lung nodules, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma.