Chart — Oncology
Small Cell vs Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
The first fork in lung cancer: small cell is aggressive, central, and treated medically; non-small cell is more common and can be surgically resectable when caught early.
Educational use only. Diagnosis, staging, and treatment are provider-directed and individualized. This chart is an educational comparison aid. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Side by Side
| Feature | Small cell (SCLC) | Non-small cell (NSCLC) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | ~15% of lung cancers | ~85% (adenocarcinoma, squamous, large cell) |
| Location | Central (near bronchi) | Adeno often peripheral; squamous central |
| Smoking link | Very strong — almost always smokers | Strong; adenocarcinoma is the most common in non-smokers |
| Growth & spread | Aggressive; spreads early — usually metastatic at diagnosis | Slower; can be localized and resectable |
| Paraneoplastic syndromes | Common — SIADH, ectopic ACTH (Cushing's), Lambert-Eaton | Squamous → hypercalcemia (PTHrP) |
| Primary treatment | Chemotherapy + radiation (rarely surgery) | Surgery if localized + chemo/radiation/immuno/targeted therapy |
| Prognosis | Poorer; responds initially but recurs | Better when caught early/localized |
Exam Traps
- ✦SCLC = Small, Central, Smoking, Spreads fast → chemo/radiation (usually NOT surgical).
- ✦NSCLC = ~85%; can be resected when localized; adenocarcinoma is the most common type and the most common in non-smokers.
- ✦Paraneoplastic syndromes are classic with SCLC: SIADH (hyponatremia), ectopic ACTH/Cushing's.
- ✦Squamous cell (a NSCLC type) classically causes hypercalcemia via PTHrP.
- ✦SVC syndrome (facial/neck/arm edema + JVD + dyspnea) is an oncologic emergency in either type.
Related Resources
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 21, 2026This page is written to align with Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) · National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) · American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →