What type of lung cancer is most commonly seen in women and often classified as peripheral?

Adenocarcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed type of lung cancer in women and is frequently characterized by its peripheral location in the lungs. This subtype of non-small cell lung cancer arises from glandular tissues and is associated with factors such as smoking and exposure to certain environmental risks, although it can also occur in non-smokers.

The reason adenocarcinoma is classified as peripheral is due to the anatomical disposition of the lung where these tumors typically develop in the outer regions, as opposed to central lesions that are more characteristic of other types of lung cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma. The peripheral location may result in symptoms appearing later, as these tumors can grow substantially before causing blockage of airways or other noticeable clinical signs.

Many patients with adenocarcinoma present with symptoms such as cough, weight loss, or respiratory difficulties, which can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. The predominance of adenocarcinoma in women, especially with its increasing incidence among younger populations who may not have a smoking history, highlights the importance of understanding this type of cancer for screening and diagnosis in clinical practice.

In contrast, large cell carcinoma generally has a more aggressive clinical course and is not as commonly identified specifically in women. Squamous cell carcinoma tends