What is the most common histologic type of lung cancer?

Adenocarcinoma is recognized as the most common histologic type of lung cancer, especially in individuals who have never smoked, and it accounts for a significant proportion of lung cancer cases overall. This subtype arises from the glandular tissues of the lung and is primarily found in the peripheral regions of the lungs.

The increasing incidence of adenocarcinoma is often attributed to changes in smoking habits, with a rise in cases related to non-smokers, particularly women. Moreover, adenocarcinoma is characterized by specific genetic alterations that can influence treatment responses, making it a key target for targeted therapies.

In understanding lung cancer, recognizing the predominance of adenocarcinoma is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning, as different subtypes have varying prognoses and therapeutic approaches.