A 62-year-old male presents with chronic cough and hemoptysis. What type of lung cancer is most likely if the cancer has an aggressive course and is rarely resectable?

The type of lung cancer that is most likely characterized by an aggressive course and a rarity of resectability is small cell lung carcinoma. This cancer is known for its rapid growth and early dissemination to distant sites, making surgical intervention often infeasible. Small cell lung cancer is typically associated with significant paraneoplastic syndromes and can lead to severe complications due to its aggressive nature.

In comparison, other types of lung cancer may have different typical clinical presentations and management strategies. Squamous cell carcinoma often presents with symptoms such as cough and hemoptysis, but it may be more amenable to surgical resection if detected early and localized. Large cell carcinoma, while also aggressive, can sometimes be resectable depending on its stage. Adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer among non-smokers, can also be treated with surgery if confined to a particular location.

In summary, the aggressiveness and the pattern of spread associated with small cell lung carcinoma clearly distinguish it as the most likely type of lung cancer in this scenario.