Other cancers found in the lungs

In addition to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), there are other types of cancers that start in the lungs but may be treated differently than the three main types of lung cancer. They include mesothelioma, carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine tumors.

Learn more about other types of cancers that can start in the lungs

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of organs. It can originate in the lungs as well as the abdomen, heart and chest. It is associated with exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation website

What is malignant mesothelioma? (American Cancer Society)

Carcinoid tumors of the lung

Carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor. There are two types: typical and atypical. They usually start in the neuroendocrine (hormone producing) cells that line organs such as the small intestine and also the lungs.

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET)

Neuroendocrine tumors form from cells that release hormones in response to a signal from the nervous system and sometimes begin in the lungs. They can be slow-growing or aggressive. See also Carcinoid Cancer Center Foundation (above).

Neuroendocrine tumor (American Society of Clinical Oncology) 

Neuroendocrine tumors (Harvard Medical Center)