Also known as: NSCLC
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes.
At The London Clinic Lung Centre, our specialists provide regular screening, rapid diagnostics and personalised treatment plans using the latest advancements in care.
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Non-small cell lung cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow and multiply rapidly.
It is a broad category of cancer that includes several subtypes, which are classified by the type of cells affected and how quickly they grow. These include:
Non-small cell lung cancer may not cause symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body. When symptoms do appear, they can feel similar to those of other types of lung cancer or respiratory conditions.
Non-small cell lung cancer signs and symptoms include:
It’s important to remember that these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate non-small cell lung cancer. However, if you are experiencing any of them, it’s best to speak to a specialist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference to your treatment options and outcomes.
Non-small cell lung cancer can be identified before it has spread through regular screening using low-dose CT scans. This type of CT scan uses a much lower dose of radiation than a standard CT scan, meaning it can be used regularly to enable early diagnosis.
However, if you are experiencing symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer, your specialist may use a combination of tests to confirm a diagnosis:
Once the appropriate tests have been completed, our multidisciplinary team of specialists at The London Clinic Lung Centre will review the findings to develop an optimal treatment plan tailored to your needs.
It’s not always clear why some people develop non-small cell lung cancer while others don’t. However, the main risk factor for this disease is a history of smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.
Other risk factors include:
Approximately 70–80% of non-small cell lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the patient begins to experience symptoms. As a result, it is important to seek medical care straight away if you notice any symptoms.
If you have a history of smoking or are at a higher risk of lung cancer for other reasons, regular screening scans are highly recommended to help detect cancer in its early stages. At The London Clinic Lung Centre, we offer a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan screening service to support early diagnosis.
Our lung centre brings together a wide range of specialities and collective experience to provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating lung conditions. Working collaboratively, our world-class teams deliver personalised care at every stage, ensuring each patient receives the highest standard of treatment in a supportive, streamlined environment.
Our specialists work at the forefront of modern lung diagnostics and treatments, helping deliver exceptional care for chest conditions.
Patient care is central to everything we do, with tailored treatment plans and support at every step.
Our multidisciplinary teams work as one to provide a seamless, stress-free experience from consultation to follow-up.
World-class consultants and advanced lung diagnostics, based in the heart of Harley Street.
