The difference between the two types is the type of cancer cell or tissues involved and the type of treatment options. If lung cancer is found, it may be treated with either surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Surgery is one of the treatments for non-small cell lung cancer. Radiation therapy can be used as primary treatment for lung cancer if surgery is not possible. Radiation may also be used to control symptoms when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy is the usual treatment for small cell lung cancer.
For non-small cell lung cancer, chemotherapy may be combined with surgery or radiation, and is commonly used for disease that has spread to other parts of the body.