Back
Print 

Lung cancer

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

Lung cancer happens when cells in the lungs become abnormal and grow out of control. Lung cancer can start anywhere in the lungs, but most often it starts in the breathing (bronchial) tubes. The cancer cells can form tumors, invade nearby tissues, and spread to other parts of the body.

The main types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is by far the most common type of lung cancer. SCLC usually grows and spreads more quickly than NSCLC.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.