Lung adenocarcinoma has become the most common type of lung cancer. According to the 2015 World Health Organization histological classification of lung cancer, invasive lung adenocarcinoma can be divided into 5 subtypes: lepidic, acinar, papillary, solid, and micropapillary. Relevant studies have shown that the local lobectomy or sublobectomy is sufficient for early lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma, while lobectomy should be recommended for tumors containing micropapillary and solid ingredients (≥5%). Currently, the percentage of micropapillary and solid components diagnosed by frozen pathological examination is 65.7%, and the accuracy of diagnosis is limited. Therefore, to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, it is necessary to seek new methods and techniques. This paper summarized the characteristics and rapid diagnosis tools of early lung adenocarcinoma subtypes.