Defining lung cancer types

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

A group of lung cancers that are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look under a microscope. The three main subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer are squamous cell lung cancer, large cell lung cancer, and adenocarcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind of lung cancer

  • Internally: the NSCLC acronym is acceptable.
  • Externally: spell out “non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)” the first time it is used in a document. After that, NSCLC alone is fine. 

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

A fast-growing cancer that forms in tissues of the lung and can spread to other parts of the body. Named "small" for how the cancer cells look under a microscope

  • Internally: the SCLC acronym is acceptable. 
  • Externally: spell out “small cell lung cancer (SCLC)” the first time it is used in a document. After that, SCLC alone is fine. 

Cancer subtype

Smaller groups that a type of cancer can be divided into based on the characteristics of cells

  • Internally: use “cancer subtype” when appropriate.
  • Externally: use “cancer subtype” accompanied by an explanation such as: “cancer types are named after organs or tissues where the cancer forms; cancer subtypes are smaller groups based on certain traits of cancer cells.”
  • Also consider defining “cancer subtypes” with reference to biomarkers, LUNGevity’s Patient Gateways, and precision medicine. 
    • Biomarkers: “Biomarkers also help determine a cancer’s subtype and treatment options.”
    • Gateways: “LUNGevity’s Patient Gateways provide resources about your biomarker and can help connect you with communities that share your cancer subtype.”
    • Precision medicine: “Precision medicine uses various targeted therapies to treat different cancer subtypes.” 

Oncogene group

Groups of cancers defined by the presence of a mutated form of a gene causing the growth of cancer cells

  • Internally: use "mutation" as appropriate; may need to distinguish between gene deletions, insertions, and point mutations.
  • Externally: avoid "mutated" in describing the cancer or the patient; instead say, for example, "EGFR-positive lung cancer" as shorthand for "positive for a mutation in the EGFR gene."

Defining testing

Comprehensive biomarker testing

A general term used to describe testing lung cancer tissue. This testing can be used to identify changes in an individual’s cancer cells

  • Internally: “biomarker testing” is preferred; however, outside medical terminology referencing biomarkers may include “mutation testing,” “molecular testing/profiling,” or “tumor profiling.”
  • Externally: The term “biomarker testing” is preferred. Consider referring to the No One Missed “know your biomarker” materials when appropriate. 

Genetic testing (for an inherited mutation/cancer risk)

Testing that identifies a person’s risk for developing cancer and other diseases- sampling the patient's cells to examine the patient's genes

  • Internally: “genetic testing” can also be referred to as seeing if an individual has a “germline mutation,” an “inherited mutation,” or an “inherent cancer risk.” 
  • Externally: any of the above are acceptable; however, specify that this testing includes a sample from an individual's blood, hair, skin, or other normal tissue that contains their DNA. 
    • Note: DO NOT use the term “genomic” testing (testing that studies mutations in genes that affect the severity and spread of cancer cells). This often confuses patients due to their similarity. 

Testing the cancer (for mutations)

Testing that looks for mutations in the cancer’s genes - sampling the cancer’s cells to examine the cancer’s genes

  • Internally: “testing cancer for mutations” refers to testing for prevalent types of driver mutations, which can include point mutations, amplifications, deletions, fusions, and rearrangements.
  • Externally: opt simply for “testing cancer cells for mutations” and specify with terms referring to how, such as a “tissue sample,” a “blood test,” or simply a “biopsy.” 

Testing the cancer (for biomarkers)

Testing that looks for mutations in the cancer’s genes and changes in protein levels - sampling the cancer’s cells to examine the cancer’s genes and proteins

  • Internally: “testing cancer for biomarkers” refers to testing for prevalent types of mutations, which can include driver mutations, passenger mutations, somatic mutations, genomic mutations, and different proteins such as PD-L1 for immunohistochemistry. 
  • Externally: opt simply for “testing cancer cells for biomarkers” and specify with terms referring to how, such as a “tissue sample,” a “blood test,” or simply a “biopsy.”  

Liquid biopsy (blood test/blood biopsy)

Assesses mutations and other changes in DNA shed from tumors into the blood

  • Internally: “liquid biopsy”
  • Externally: some patients may refer to this as a “blood test” or “blood biopsy”; opt for “liquid biopsy” instead to avoid confusion and explain that this is simply “a type of biomarker testing that uses blood.” 

Biopsy (tissue biopsy/lung biopsy)

The removal of cells or tissues for examination and testing

  • Internally: “Biopsy” is preferred, but alternatives may include “tissue biopsy” or “lung biopsy” to be more specific.  
  • Externally: opt for “analyzing a tissue sample” or a “tissue biopsy.”

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)

DNA/cells from a tumor that is found in the bloodstream

  • Internally: spell out “circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)” the first time it is used in a document. After that, ctDNA alone is fine. 
  • Externally: avoid unless necessary. 

Defining treatment

Targeted therapy drugs

Treatment that uses drugs or other substances to attack cancer cells

  • Internally: “targeted therapy drugs” can be shortened to “targeted therapies” when appropriate.
  • Externally: opt for “targeted therapy drugs” or “drug-specific treatments” to specify that this treatment is NOT the same as radiation.

Precision medicine/personalized medicine

The practice of tailoring a person’s cancer treatment to fit the genetic profile and characteristics of their specific tumor

  • Internally: “precision medicine”
  • Externally: define “precision medicine" or "personalized medicine” as “personalized treatment” or “an individually tailored form of treatment.” 

Types of imaging

Computed tomography (CT)

A type of scanning that uses an advanced X-ray machine to create a three-dimensional assemblage of pictures that provides detailed information about the size, shape, and position of tumors in the lungs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A type of scanning that uses radio waves and strong magnets to create images of areas inside the body to find out whether the lung cancer has spread to the brain, spinal cord, liver, or other parts of the body.

Position emission tomography (PET)

A type of scanning in which a radioactive sugar injection is given to help determine whether the lung cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, bones, or other organs in the body.