A person with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung has a growth of abnormal cells inside one of the larger air passages in the lung. These cells can form tumors and spread to other parts of the body.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is the most common type of lung cancer. These cancers originate in the cells that line the bronchial tubes. Because these tumors are usually located inside the airways, they can obstruct the airflow through the air passageways.

Squamous cell carcinoma is strongly associated with smoking. Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is the most common type of lung cancer in men and in those who smoke. Adenocarcinoma of the lung is the most common type of lung cancer in women and in non-smokers.