non-small-cell lung cancer

non-small-cell lung cancer Cancer of the lung that is not small cell carcinoma. It may be bronchogenic carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or large cell carcinoma of the lung. The distinction between small and non-small-cell lung cancers is made under the microscope. Knowing which type a patient has is important for proper therapy. The treatment options for non-smallcell lung cancer are generally different than those for small cell lung cancer.