Lung cancer, clinically known as bronchogenic carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that originates in the tissues of the lungs. While commonly referred to simply as lung cancer, it is medically classified into distinct types, primarily non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which dictate treatment approaches. What are the common medical synonyms for lung cancer? In medical records and clinical literature, you may encounter various terms for lung cancer. The most formal clinical synonym is bronchogenic carcinoma, reflecting the origin of the tumor in the bronchi. Older medical texts may refer to it as pulmonary carcinoma or pulmonary neoplasm. While "lung cancer" is the standard term used by the 53 members of our DiseaseMaps community and the general public, pathologists use specific terms based on the microscopic appearance of the cells. How is lung cancer classified in medical systems? Healthcare providers use standardized coding to ensure consistency in diagnosis and research. The primary classification systems include: ICD-10/ICD-11: Codes C34.0–C34.9 are used for malignant neoplasms of the bronchus and lung. WHO Classification: Professionals prefer the World Health Organization's histological classification, which categorizes lung cancer into two major groups: 85% are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 15% are small cell lung cancer (SCLC). OMIM: Lung cancer is assigned various entries (e.g., #211980) depending on specific genetic predispositions. Why are there so many names for this condition? The variety of names for lung cancer exists because the disease is not a single entity but a collection of different cell types. Historical naming focused on the anatomical site (bronchus vs. lung parenchyma), whereas modern terminology prioritizes the molecular and histological profile. This reclassification is critical because the clinical behavior and therapeutic options for a squamous cell carcinoma differ significantly from those for an adenocarcinoma. Next steps Consult an oncologist or pulmonologist to clarify the specific histological type of your diagnosis. Request a copy of your pathology report to understand the precise terminology used for your case. Join the 53 members in our DiseaseMaps community to share experiences and find peer support. Visit the American Cancer Society or the NIH National Cancer Institute for the latest clinical trial information. Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. References NIH National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov) World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Thoracic Tumours Orphanet (orpha.net) OMIM (omim.org)

Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08

Lung cancer, clinically known as bronchogenic carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that originates in the tissues of the lungs. While commonly referred to simply as lung cancer, it is medically classified into distinct types, primarily non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which dictate treatment approaches. What are the common medical synonyms for lung cancer? In medical records and clinical literature, you may encounter various terms for lung cancer.

Lung cancer synonyms

Name: Lung cancer synonyms
Creator: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Published: 2016-03-30UTC01:58:35.0000000

Other names for Lung cancer: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.

Lung cancer, clinically known as bronchogenic carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that originates in the tissues of the lungs. While commonly referred to simply as lung cancer, it is medically classified into distinct types, primarily non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which dictate treatment approaches.

What are the common medical synonyms for lung cancer?

In medical records and clinical literature, you may encounter various terms for lung cancer. The most formal clinical synonym is bronchogenic carcinoma, reflecting the origin of the tumor in the bronchi. Older medical texts may refer to it as pulmonary carcinoma or pulmonary neoplasm. While "lung cancer" is the standard term used by the 53 members of our DiseaseMaps community and the general public, pathologists use specific terms based on the microscopic appearance of the cells.

How is lung cancer classified in medical systems?

Healthcare providers use standardized coding to ensure consistency in diagnosis and research. The primary classification systems include:

ICD-10/ICD-11: Codes C34.0–C34.9 are used for malignant neoplasms of the bronchus and lung.

WHO Classification: Professionals prefer the World Health Organization's histological classification, which categorizes lung cancer into two major groups: 85% are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 15% are small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

OMIM: Lung cancer is assigned various entries (e.g., #211980) depending on specific genetic predispositions.

Why are there so many names for this condition?

The variety of names for lung cancer exists because the disease is not a single entity but a collection of different cell types. Historical naming focused on the anatomical site (bronchus vs. lung parenchyma), whereas modern terminology prioritizes the molecular and histological profile. This reclassification is critical because the clinical behavior and therapeutic options for a squamous cell carcinoma differ significantly from those for an adenocarcinoma.