What is the most common type of lung cancer?

Adenocarcinoma is recognized as the most common type of lung cancer, particularly in non-smokers and younger individuals. It originates in the glandular cells that secrete mucus or other substances. This form of cancer tends to be located more peripherally in the lungs, which can sometimes make it harder to detect early compared to other types of lung cancer.

While small cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are also important types of lung cancer, they do not surpass adenocarcinoma in prevalence. Small cell carcinoma is often linked with heavy smoking and is characterized by its aggressive nature. Squamous cell carcinoma has also been associated with smoking and generally arises from the epithelial cells lining the airways. Lung sarcoma, being a type of cancer that arises from the connective tissues of the lungs rather than the lung epithelium, is much less common relative to adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.