Why Are Some Cancers Called Small Cell Cancer and Others Called Large Cell Cancer? What Do They Mean?

Why Are Some Cancers Called Small Cell Cancer and Others Called Large Cell Cancer? What Do They Mean?

“Small cell cancer” and “large cell cancer” are descriptions of how cancer cells look under a microscope. When diagnosing and distinguishing cancers, doctors also consider the location of the cancer, the size of the cancerous area, the irregularity of the cancer cell shapes, and whether the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. These factors help doctors choose the most effective treatment methods and predict treatment outcomes.

When describing the appearance of cancer cells, doctors often use the following terms:

• Clear cell carcinoma: These cancer cells appear clear under a microscope and can be seen in kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer.
• Spindle cell carcinoma: These cells are narrower at the ends than in the middle and can be seen in breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and skin cancer.
• Large cell carcinoma: These cancer cells are larger than normal cells and can be seen in large cell lung cancer, which affects the bronchi.
• Small cell carcinoma: These cancer cells are smaller than normal cells and can be seen in highly aggressive small cell lung cancer that often spreads to other parts of the body.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: These cancer cells appear flat and can be seen in some skin cancers or cancers that originate in the lining of organs.
• Adenocarcinoma: These cancer cells appear gland-like and can be seen in lung cancer, stomach cancer, and endometrial cancer.