Medical oncologist Dr. Kenneth K. Ng and clinical nurse Shirley Pang talk with an MSK patient.
MSK's Guide To

Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Types & Stages

Overview

At MSK, treatment for lung cancer starts with a correct diagnosis. We’re here to help you take the first steps toward getting the best cancer care. 

You may be reading this because you’re thinking about getting screened for lung cancer. Maybe you’re waiting for test results. Or, perhaps you or someone you care about just learned they have lung cancer. 

This guide will help you understand how lung cancer is diagnosed and what your diagnosis means. Learning as much as you can may help you feel ready to talk with doctors about your care. 

Thoracic surgeon Dr. Alexis Chidi during surgery.
The diagnosis process

If your doctor suspects you have lung cancer, they may do a biopsy. A lung cancer biopsy is a procedure to remove cells or tissue from the growth in your chest. They will test the sample for cancer. A biopsy is the best way to confirm if you have lung cancer. 

Thoracic surgeon Dr. Matthew Bott.
Understanding your diagnosis

A lung cancer diagnosis most often will describe where the cancer started, its type, and if it has spread. We use this information to create a care plan just for you. 

The diagnosis process

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Most people diagnosed with lung cancer have no symptoms. 

For many people, the first sign of lung cancer shows up on a chest X-ray or a CT scan. It’s a spot that looks abnormal (not normal). If something does not look right, you’ll need other tests. These tests could confirm if it’s cancer, and what type of cancer it is. 

If something looks abnormal and could be lung cancer, your diagnosis process may look like this:
  • Imaging tests: To get a clearer picture of your lungs, your doctor may recommend more imaging tests, such as a PET scan or MRI.
  • Biopsy: If your doctor thinks you may have lung cancer, they may recommend a biopsy. A lung biopsy is a procedure to remove cells or tissue from the growth in your lung. They will test the sample for cancer. A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm if you have lung cancer. 

Most people who come to MSK for a lung cancer diagnosis first meet with a surgeon. MSK surgeons work closely with pathologists, radiologists, and other lung cancer experts. They’ll learn more about the type of lung cancer, and how advanced it is. This information helps your team make a treatment plan that’s best for you. 

The MSK Difference

MSK experts are exploring ways to find lung cancer early, other than imaging tests of the tumor. We’re looking for lung cancer markers in a person’s breath. We’re also looking at small pieces of tumor DNA in the blood, using a liquid biopsy test called  MSK-ACCESS®.

What is a lung biopsy?

A lung biopsy is the best way to know for sure if you have lung cancer.  

During a lung biopsy, your doctor removes a small sample of tissue from the growth in your lung. The sample is from the area we’re worried about. A pathologist will use a microscope to examine the sample. A pathologist is a doctor who uses a microscope to diagnose disease. 

A biopsy provides information about the type of cancer cells. This helps doctors choose which treatment is best for you. Not all lung cancers are the same. They have different treatments. 

It’s important for your care team to have this information so they make a care plan just for you.  

There are a few types of lung biopsies. Your doctor will recommend the best biopsy method for you. They can explain why they chose that type of lung biopsy, if you have questions. 

There are a few ways your doctor can do a lung biopsy:

A bronchoscopy (bron-KOS-koh-pee) is one of the most common methods. It lets your doctor look inside your lung airways using a small camera called a bronchoscope (BRON-koh-SKOPE). 

You’ll first get anesthesia (medicine to make you sleep). Your doctor will place the bronchoscope in your mouth or nose. They’ll gently move it through your throat, trachea (windpipe), and airways. They’ll use small tools to remove a tissue sample.

Bronchoscopy is mostly used to reach the growth from the airway, or just outside the airway.  

There are other biopsy methods if the growth is in another area, or it’s not the right size for a bronchoscopy. 

If a bronchoscopy cannot reach the growth, we may recommend a needle biopsy through the chest wall. This procedure is called a transthoracic (tranz- thor-A-sik) needle biopsy. 

You’ll first get anesthesia (medicine to make you sleepy). Your doctor will insert (put) a needle through your skin. It will go right into the spot or growth and remove a small tissue sample. 

Your biopsy will be done by an interventional radiologist (also called an IR doctor). This is a doctor who has special training in doing image-guided procedures. Images include X-rays and CT scans. 

An endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) uses sound waves to show images of your lung or surrounding lymph nodes. This procedure gives your doctor information about how deep a tumor is in your tissue, or if it has spread.

During your EBUS biopsy, your doctor uses a small camera with an ultrasound attached to it called a bronchoscope. It’s placed through your mouth into your airways. You doctor uses a needle to take a tissue sample. 

In some cases, you may need surgery to do the biopsy. This happens when the growth’s location or size makes it hard to use other biopsy methods. 

Innovations at MSK

Our experts are always exploring new ways to diagnose lung cancer and find it early when it’s easier to treat. Explore the latest lung cancer news from MSK.

 

Thoracic medical oncologist Dr. Mark Awad, who uses tumor genetic testing for lung cancer.
Featured Article
New Lung Cancer Treatments Aim to Reduce Deaths in 2025 and Beyond

Thoracic medical oncologist Dr. Mark Awad says new treatments for lung cancer include a growing number of targeted therapies and new forms of immunotherapy.

I’ll talk to patients who were diagnosed somewhere else and had genomic testing that only included 3 or 4 genes. That’s not enough. Complete genomic tests help us decide which treatment to select, and in which order we should give them.
Thoracic medical oncologist Dr. Mark Awad

Understanding your lung cancer diagnosis

Learning you have lung cancer can be overwhelming. You’ll hear many medical terms you've never heard before. We’re here to help you understand what they mean and why they matter. 

The information in your diagnosis describes important details about the type of lung cancer you have. Your doctors use that information to create the best plan of care for you. 

Your lung cancer diagnosis may describe:
Where the lung cancer started
Lung cancer starts in the cells that line the airways or small air sacs of the lungs. 
Where the lung cancer started

Lung tumors and nodules happen in the cells that line the airways or small air sacs of the lungs. These cells become cancer when they grow out of control. This often happens because of genetic changes (mutations or variants) that happen during your life.

Other types of cancer can start somewhere else and then metastasize (spread) to the lungs.  

There are 3 main parts of the lung where tumors start:

In the bronchi 
Some lung cancers, such as lung carcinoid tumors, start in the neuroendocrine cells that line the bronchi (BRONG-ky).  The bronchi are the large air passages that carry air from the trachea (windpipe) into the lungs.

Your bronchi are sensitive to exposure over a long time to harmful things you breathe in. Examples are tobacco smoke, pollution, or other harmful substances. A carcinogen (kar-SIH-noh-jin) is a substance that causes cancer. 

Your lungs’ healthy cells are harmed over time. This can cause problems with how the cells grow and repair themselves and can cause cancer. 

Lung carcinoid tumors are made up of neuroendocrine (NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin) cells. Most start in the major bronchi, the large air tubes that carry air from the windpipe into the lungs.

Small cell lung cancer starts in neuroendocrine cells that surround the bronchi. 

In the bronchioles 
Some lung cancers start in the bronchioles (BRONG-kee-oles), which are tiny branches of air tubes. 

Your bronchioles are sensitive to exposure over a long time to harmful things you breathe in. Examples are tobacco smoke, pollution, or other harmful substances. 

These things can harm the epithelial (eh-pih-THEE-lee-ul) cells lining the bronchioles. This can cause problems with how the cells grow and repair themselves, and can cause cancer.

Over time, the cells form a tumor. It can become a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

In the alveoli  
Some lung cancers, such as adenocarcinoma, start in the cells that line the alveoli (al-VEE-oh-ly). These are tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles.  

Oxygen you breathe in passes into the alveoli and then dissolves into the blood. Carbon dioxide travels in the blood, passes into the alveoli, and you breathe it out. 

Where the lung cancer started

Lung tumors and nodules happen in the cells that line the airways or small air sacs of the lungs. These cells become cancer when they grow out of control. This often happens because of genetic changes (mutations or variants) that happen during your life.

Other types of cancer can start somewhere else and then metastasize (spread) to the lungs.  

There are 3 main parts of the lung where tumors start:

In the bronchi 
Some lung cancers, such as lung carcinoid tumors, start in the neuroendocrine cells that line the bronchi (BRONG-ky).  The bronchi are the large air passages that carry air from the trachea (windpipe) into the lungs.

Your bronchi are sensitive to exposure over a long time to harmful things you breathe in. Examples are tobacco smoke, pollution, or other harmful substances. A carcinogen (kar-SIH-noh-jin) is a substance that causes cancer. 

Your lungs’ healthy cells are harmed over time. This can cause problems with how the cells grow and repair themselves and can cause cancer. 

Lung carcinoid tumors are made up of neuroendocrine (NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin) cells. Most start in the major bronchi, the large air tubes that carry air from the windpipe into the lungs.

Small cell lung cancer starts in neuroendocrine cells that surround the bronchi. 

In the bronchioles 
Some lung cancers start in the bronchioles (BRONG-kee-oles), which are tiny branches of air tubes. 

Your bronchioles are sensitive to exposure over a long time to harmful things you breathe in. Examples are tobacco smoke, pollution, or other harmful substances. 

These things can harm the epithelial (eh-pih-THEE-lee-ul) cells lining the bronchioles. This can cause problems with how the cells grow and repair themselves, and can cause cancer.

Over time, the cells form a tumor. It can become a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

In the alveoli  
Some lung cancers, such as adenocarcinoma, start in the cells that line the alveoli (al-VEE-oh-ly). These are tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles.  

Oxygen you breathe in passes into the alveoli and then dissolves into the blood. Carbon dioxide travels in the blood, passes into the alveoli, and you breathe it out. 

If the lung cancer is spreading
Some tumors stay in the place where they started. But tumors can spread to other parts of the lung or the body.   
If the lung cancer is spreading

Doctors may describe these tumors in a few different ways: 

Non-invasive lung cancer
The cancer stays in the lining or surface of the lung tissue where it started. It does not spread. These are also described as in situ (in-SY-too), which means “in its original place.” Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is a very early form of lung cancer, often called pre-invasive.

Invasive lung cancer
The cancer has grown into lung tissue outside the bronchi or bronchioles where it started. Some types of invasive lung cancer include: 

  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Large cell carcinoma

Metastatic lung cancer
This is more advanced cancer. It has spread to parts of the body away from the lung, such as the bones or liver. 

If the lung cancer is spreading

Doctors may describe these tumors in a few different ways: 

Non-invasive lung cancer
The cancer stays in the lining or surface of the lung tissue where it started. It does not spread. These are also described as in situ (in-SY-too), which means “in its original place.” Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is a very early form of lung cancer, often called pre-invasive.

Invasive lung cancer
The cancer has grown into lung tissue outside the bronchi or bronchioles where it started. Some types of invasive lung cancer include: 

  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Large cell carcinoma

Metastatic lung cancer
This is more advanced cancer. It has spread to parts of the body away from the lung, such as the bones or liver. 

The stage, which explains the tumor’s size, location, and how far it has spread
The stage tells us how advanced the cancer is and guides treatment. There are 5 stages, from 0 to 4 (0 to IV). The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. 
The stage, which explains the tumor’s size, location, and how far it has spread

The stage tells us how advanced the cancer is and guides treatment. 

There are 5 stages, from 0 to 4 (0 to IV). The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. 

Here’s more information:
  1. Stage 0

    There are cancer cells. The tumor cells are not normal but have not yet spread to the tissue around the tumor.  

  2. Stage 1

    There is 1 small tumor. It’s only in the place where it started, the lung.  

  3. Stage 2

    Localized spread: Tumor has grown larger or the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.  

  4. Stage 3

    Regional spread: The tumor has grown larger. Or, the cancer has spread further through the lungs to lymph nodes that are farther away. 

  5. Stage 4

    Distant spread: Cancer has metastasized (spread) outside the chest cavity where it started. 

The stage, which explains the tumor’s size, location, and how far it has spread

The stage tells us how advanced the cancer is and guides treatment. 

There are 5 stages, from 0 to 4 (0 to IV). The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. 

Here’s more information:
  1. Stage 0

    There are cancer cells. The tumor cells are not normal but have not yet spread to the tissue around the tumor.  

  2. Stage 1

    There is 1 small tumor. It’s only in the place where it started, the lung.  

  3. Stage 2

    Localized spread: Tumor has grown larger or the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.  

  4. Stage 3

    Regional spread: The tumor has grown larger. Or, the cancer has spread further through the lungs to lymph nodes that are farther away. 

  5. Stage 4

    Distant spread: Cancer has metastasized (spread) outside the chest cavity where it started. 

If the tumor is linked to a genetic mutation (change)
A biopsy procedure gets a sample of cells to check for cancer. We also use this sample for tumor genetic testing. Testing lets us learn about genetic changes (mutations or variants) linked to cancer. 
If the tumor is linked to a genetic mutation (change)

MSK offers genetic testing that looks for the most common genetic mutations linked to lung cancer. The most common genetic changes we look for are in the genes EGFR, KRAS, and ALK. We also test for changes that are less common, including in the genes BRAF, HER2, NTRK, MET, RET, or ROS1

A tumor genetic profiling test is also called genomic testing or molecular profiling. The test uses a sample from your tumor, your blood, or both. The blood sample test is called a liquid biopsy.

We use only the latest technology, such as MSK-IMPACT ® and MSK-ACCESS®

  • MSK-IMPACT is a sequencing test that looks for genetic changes in 505 genes. These changes can make cancer cells grow.
  • MSK-ACCESS looks for mutations in 129 genes that we know can cause cancer. We often use this liquid biopsy test when it’s hard to do a tumor biopsy.  

At MSK, genetic testing is a routine part of diagnosis and staging for people who have non-small cell lung cancer. If we know which mutation you have, we know which drugs will work best. 

If the tumor is linked to a genetic mutation (change)

MSK offers genetic testing that looks for the most common genetic mutations linked to lung cancer. The most common genetic changes we look for are in the genes EGFR, KRAS, and ALK. We also test for changes that are less common, including in the genes BRAF, HER2, NTRK, MET, RET, or ROS1

A tumor genetic profiling test is also called genomic testing or molecular profiling. The test uses a sample from your tumor, your blood, or both. The blood sample test is called a liquid biopsy.

We use only the latest technology, such as MSK-IMPACT ® and MSK-ACCESS®

  • MSK-IMPACT is a sequencing test that looks for genetic changes in 505 genes. These changes can make cancer cells grow.
  • MSK-ACCESS looks for mutations in 129 genes that we know can cause cancer. We often use this liquid biopsy test when it’s hard to do a tumor biopsy.  

At MSK, genetic testing is a routine part of diagnosis and staging for people who have non-small cell lung cancer. If we know which mutation you have, we know which drugs will work best. 

Common genetic changes we test for in lung cancer:
EGFR and KRAS mutations

EGFR  is a gene that makes a protein called epidermal (eh-pih-DER-mul) growth factor receptor. This protein is on some types of cells that bind to something called an epidermal growth factor.

About 2 out of every 10 people who have non-small cell lung cancer have a mutation in the EGFR  gene. People who have this genetic change often never smoked or smoked only a little. 

We also test for a mutation in a gene called  KRAS.  About 2 out of every 10 people who have non-small cell lung cancer have a KRAS mutation. It’s more common in people who smoke now, or who used to smoke. About half of all KRAS mutations are a kind called a KRAS-G12C mutation. 

Rearrangement of the ALK gene

We also test the ALK gene for an abnormality (problem) called rearrangement. This happens when  ALK fuses (attaches) to other genes, most often the EML4 gene. They form a mutant gene called  EML4-ALK. This changes the way both genes work.

Nearly 5 out of every 100 people with non-small cell lung tumors have ALK gene rearrangements. It also affects about 10 to 15 out of every 100 people with non-small cell lung cancer who never smoked.  

Squamous cell lung cancer mutations

More than half of people with squamous cell cancer may have changes in proteins and molecular pathways. A molecular pathway is a set of actions inside a cell that help it work. 

Cancer cells can have changes in the FGFR1 or DDR2 genes. We have new treatments for cancer cells that have these changes. We’re also researching new targeted therapies, and may have a clinical trial you can join. 

Small cell lung cancer mutations

We know less about gene mutations that can cause small cell lung cancer. MSK has clinical trials that involve these mutations. We’re testing treatments for some small cell lung cancer tumors that have certain proteins. 

THE MSK DIFFERENCE

We use a genetic testing tool only offered at MSK called  MSK-IMPACT®. This test looks at about 500 genes for genetic changes and other tumor traits. Developed by MSK, it finds genetic changes in the tumor that other tests can miss. We use this test to learn which treatments are best for you.  

What is genomic or biomarker testing for lung cancer?

Genomic testing is also known as biomarker testing or genetic testing. It looks to see if cancer cells have changes in their genes. We can use targeted therapies on some mutations to slow or stop lung cancer from growing. There are treatments for lung cancer caused by these genes: 

  • KRAS
  • EGFR
  • ALK
  • ROS1
  • BRAF
  • MET
  • RET
  • HER2
  • NTRK

MSK recommends you ask about testing for another biomarker, called PD-L1. Test results can guide us about how you may respond to a form of immunotherapy called an immune  checkpoint inhibitor. For some people, this can be a powerful treatment for lung cancer.    

MSK patients offer helpful tips on becoming a new patient

Newly diagnosed? Hear advice from our patients.

Cloudflare Stream
Should I think about getting a second opinion about my diagnosis? 

If you learn you have lung cancer, we recommend you get a second opinion right away. This will confirm you’re getting an accurate diagnosis and detailed information about the cancer. 

It’s best to get a second opinion before surgery or any other treatment. It can help you avoid treatment you may not need. It can make sure you have the right treatment. Getting a second opinion may take a few days to a week. Sometimes it takes longer. 

Second opinions are common. There’s no need to worry you’re hurting your doctor’s feelings. They know second opinions are important when they are not experts in the type of cancer you have.  

MSK Recommends Bring these questions to your next appointment

When you learn you have lung cancer, you’ll probably have many questions. Talking about treatment options with your doctor can help you feel better prepared to make decisions about your care.

  • What type of lung cancer do I have, and what stage is it?
  • Did I have all the scans I need to learn the stage?
  • What genetic testing do you offer for lung cancer?
  • What are the best treatment options for the type and stage of lung cancer I have?
  • When can I start treatment?
  • Can I get treatment at MSK locations close to my home?
  • What are the risks and side effects of lung cancer treatment?
  • Are there new lung cancer drugs I can try?
  • Will I need more tests before treatment starts?
  • What experience do you have in treating my type of cancer?
  • How will MSK help me recover after treatment?
  • Will I get side effects from treatment? How can I manage them?

Types of lung cancer

What are the types of lung cancer?

There are many types of lung cancer. We’re experienced in treating them all, from the most common to the most rare. 

This information describes each type of lung cancer and explains how we classify (sort) them. 

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) gets its name from how the cells look under a microscope. Small cell lung cancer also gets its name from how the cells look under a microscope. 

Non-small cell lung cancer is by far the most common type of lung cancer. About 85 out of every 100 cases of lung cancer are NSCLC. 

It starts when the cells that make up the lining of the lungs become abnormal (not normal). They grow very quickly and form a mass called a tumor. 

Surgery is often the treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Treatments for locally advanced or stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. 

Adenocarcinoma (A-deh-noh-KAR-sih-NOH-muh) starts in the cells that line the alveoli (tiny air sacs). 

About half of all NSCLCs are adenocarcinomas. It’s the most common lung cancer among smokers, nonsmokers, and people under age 45. More women than men have adenocarcinomas not linked to smoking.

We treat very early lung adenocarcinomas with resection (surgery) or radiation alone. For stage 2 or 3, you may have chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or both. You may have surgery, radiation, or both. 

We treat stage 4 with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or both. You may have targeted therapy. 

Squamous (SKWAY-mus) cell carcinoma (KAR-sih-NOH-muh) starts in the cells that line the bronchial tubes. 

It’s one of the 2 most common lung cancers. About 3 out of every 10 cases of lung cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (also known as epidermoid carcinoma). 

Squamous cell carcinoma most often is linked to smoking.

Studies show that men are more likely than women to have squamous cell carcinoma. 

Treatment for lung squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas are similar. However, squamous cell carcinomas often respond well to chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Many people may have surgery. 

Large cell neuroendocrine (NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin) carcinoma (KAR-sih-NOH-muh) is a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). 

It’s also called undifferentiated lung cancer. About 5 out of every 100 non-small cell lung cancers are this type. 

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (sar-KOH-muh-toyd KAR-sih-NOH-muh) is like both sarcoma and carcinoma. It’s a rare cancer and is a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).  

Sarcoma starts in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Carcinoma is cancer that starts in the skin or in tissues that line or cover organs. Sarcomatoid carcinoma shares features of these 2 types. 

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) gets its name from how the cells look under a microscope. It starts in neuroendocrine (NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin) cells that surround the bronchi. 

It’s less common than non-small cell lung cancer and is linked to smoking.

Small cell lung cancer can spread fast to lymph nodes and other areas. It’s the most aggressive type of lung cancer. It has often already spread by the time it’s diagnosed.

Small cell lung cancer also is called oat cell cancer. About 13 out of every 100 lung cancers are small cell lung cancer. Men are more likely than women to get this type of lung cancer. 

Lung carcinoid tumors

A lung carcinoid (KAR-sih-noyd) tumor starts in neuroendocrine cells, most often in the major bronchi. About 1 in 4 of all carcinoid tumors start in the lungs. 

This type of cancer is also called pulmonary carcinoid tumor or pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor. 

There are 2 main types of lung carcinoid tumors: 

  • Typical carcinoid tumors: Most lung carcinoid tumors are typical (low-grade), which means they grow slowly. The main treatment for carcinoid tumors is surgery.  MSK surgeons will remove the tumor from the lung. Or, they’ll remove the lung that has the tumor. They often use minimally invasive methods. This kind of surgery is done with small incisions (cuts) and few stitches.
  • Atypical carcinoid tumors: Atypical (intermediate-grade) carcinoid tumors are rare. They grow faster than typical carcinoid tumors. MSK surgeons will remove the affected lung that has the atypical carcinoid tumor. You may also have chemotherapy, radiation, or both. 
Other lung tumors that are less common include:
  • Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung: This is a rare form of cancer that often starts in the salivary glands. It sometimes grows in the lung. This type of lung cancer is not linked to smoking.
  • Primary sarcomas of the lung: These are very rare but aggressive forms of sarcoma in the lung. They spread fast. 

Lung cancer stages

A cancer's stage tells us how advanced the cancer is. It describes traits such as the tumor’s size, location, and whether it has spread.  

There are 5 stages of lung cancer, from 0 to 4 (0 to IV). The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. Your doctor may add a letter (A, B, or C) to these stages to give even more information.  

Staging helps your doctor choose the best treatment options for you. The stage also helps them predict the outcome (result) of your treatment. Based on the stage, you also may be able to join a clinical trial.

The stage is based on:

  • The size and location of the original tumor (also called the primary tumor).
  • If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Your doctor may use letters and numbers from the TNM system to describe the stage:

  • T is the size of the tumor.
  • N is whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
  • M is whether the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other areas. 
MSK’s thoracic (chest) experts will use tests and procedures to learn the cancer’s stage. Imaging tests include:

Staging may also involve biopsies. You may have a needle biopsy, a bronchoscopy, or other methods.

Doctors use the same staging system for both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer often is diagnosed at a later stage than non-small cell lung cancer.  

What are the stages of lung cancer?
The MSK Difference

Do you smoke, or did you smoke in the past? Do you think you may be at risk for lung cancer? Should you get screened? MSK doctors designed a lung cancer risk assessment tool that can calculate your risk for getting the disease. You just answer 3 short questions.