Two types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancers are more often diagnosed. About 80 percent of lung cancer cases account to non-small cell lung cancers. They are divided into three types: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. Small cell lung cancers arise in the lung tissue. They spread more rapidly than most non-small cell lung cancers. About 20 percent of lung cancers account to small cell lung cancer.

Prognostic factors in non-small cell lung cancer include the presence of pulmonary symptoms, cancer size, histology, staging, the extent of metastases, and vascular invasion. Patients who are considered inoperable, have lower lung cancer survival rate. Such prognostic factors include performance status, gender, cancer stage, and involvement of the central nervous system (liver) upon diagnosis. Prognosis for non-small cell lung carcinoma is generally poor.

Prognostic factors in small cell lung carcinoma depend on the stage defined as limited (cancer is found in one lung, tissues in between lungs, and nearby lymph nodes) or extensive (metastasis). The prognosis is also generally poor with an overall lung cancer survival rate of 5 percent. Patients diagnosed with extensive stage have a survival rate of less than 1 percent.

Lung cancer is usually diagnosed during a stage when it has already spread to other parts of the body which is why the chances of survival are low. Lung cancer survival rates depend on the type of lung cancer, stage, and the general physical well-being of the patient. Due to the advancements in research and medical practices, the survival rates are slowly but steadily increasing over time.

Survival rates, however, are not accurate measures to be used in any individual case. Only medical practitioners looking into particular cancer conditions can define or estimate the survival rate of a lung cancer patient.

For limited stage small cell lung cancer, the lung cancer survival rate ranges from 15 to 25 percent. In this stage, the cancer is limited to one of the lungs, the mediastinum, and adjacent lymph nodes. Early diagnosis may indicate that the cancer is only limited and may be partly cured by radiation and chemotherapy. Nevertheless, only 20 to 30 percent are diagnosed early.

For extended stage small cell lung cancer, the lung cancer survival rate ranges from 0 to 2 percent. Because most of small cell lung cancers are detected when proliferation has traveled to other body parts, the focus is directed to palliative care.

For stage 0 non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate ranges from 70 to 80 percent. Diagnosis in the earliest stage indicates that the cancer is confined to a specific area and in the first few layers of the cells. At this point, it may be cured and the survival rate is high.

For stage I non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate is 50 percent. The cancerous cells are already manifested in the lungs and the normal tissue around them. However, lung cancer is still considered localized and can be surgically removed.

For stage II non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate is 30 percent. The cancerous cells have already invaded the lymph nodes adjacent to the lungs. The roots of the cancer are moderately spread and results to a decline in the survival chance.

For stage III non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate ranges from 5 to 20 percent. This stage indicates wide spread of the cancerous cells. Invasion is evident in the chest wall, diaphragm, and nearby organs and blood vessels. Possible metastases may be found in mediastinum.

For stage IV non-small cell, the lung cancer survival rate is less than 2 percent. The metastases have spread to distant organs through the blood and the chances of survival drop to a very low level.