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Plain-language explanations based on National Cancer Institute resources · Educational only, not medical advice · How we verify

Cancer Explained

What are the two main types of lung cancer?

The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

Knowing which type a person has is a useful first step in understanding a lung cancer.

Your care team can explain which type you have and what it means for your care.

Want the full picture? Read our complete explanation: What Is Lung Cancer?