What Is Small Cell Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a disease in which the growth of malignant (cancerous) cells begins in the tissues of the lung. It is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
- 100,099 men and 80,163 women were diagnosed with lung cancer
- 90,121 men and 67,509 women died from lung cancer.
There are two general
types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and
non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is less common than the non-small cell lung cancer. Also, small cell lung cancer spreads more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer.
The lungs are a pair of cone-shaped breathing organs that are found within the chest. They bring oxygen into the body when breathing in and take out carbon dioxide when breathing out.
Each lung has sections called lobes. The left lung has two lobes. The right lung, which is slightly larger, has three. A thin membrane called the pleura surrounds the lungs.
Two tubes called bronchi lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the right and left lungs. The bronchi are sometimes also involved in lung cancer. Small tubes called bronchioles and tiny air sacs called alveoli make up the inside of the lungs.
Types of Small Cell Lung Cancer
There are three types of small cell
lung cancer, and they include many different types of cells. The cancer cells of each type grow and spread in different ways. The types of small cell lung cancer are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look when viewed under a microscope:
- Small cell carcinoma (oat cell cancer)
- Mixed small cell/large cell carcinoma
- Combined small cell carcinoma.
What Causes Small Cell Lung Cancer?
Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of small cell lung cancer. Other possible causes include:
- Smoking cigars or pipes now or in the past
- Being exposed to secondhand smoke
- Being exposed to asbestos or radon.
Symptoms of Small Cell Lung Cancer
A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
- A persistent cough that gets worse over time
- Chest pain that doesn't go away
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of the face and neck
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual tiredness.
Diagnosing Small Cell Lung Cancer
Tests and procedures that examine the lungs are used to detect and diagnose small cell lung cancer. These medical procedures include:
- Chest x-ray
- Physical exam and history
- Sputum cytology
- Laboratory tests
- Bronchoscopy
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy
- Thoracentesis.
Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
Physical Exam and History
A physical exam consists of an exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the person's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
Sputum Cytology
A microscope is used to check for cancer cells in the sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs).
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests are medical procedures that test samples of tissue, blood, urine, or other substances in the body. These tests help to diagnose disease, plan and check treatment, or monitor the disease over time.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure performed to look inside the trachea and large airways in the lung for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs. Tissue samples may be taken for biopsy.
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
The removal of part of a lump, suspicious tissue, or fluid using a thin needle is called a fine needle aspiration biopsy. A pathologist views the tissue or fluid under a microscope to look for cancer cells. This procedure is also called a needle biopsy.
Thoracentesis
The removal of fluid from the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and chest wall) through a needle inserted between the ribs is called thoracentesis.
Treatment Options for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer spreads quickly. In many cases, cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body when small cell lung cancer is initially diagnosed. In order to reach cancer cells throughout the body, doctors almost always use chemotherapy.
Small cell lung cancer treatment may also include radiation therapy aimed at the tumor in the lung or tumors in other parts of the body (such as in the brain).
Some people with small cell lung cancer receive radiation therapy to the brain even though no cancer is found there. This treatment, called prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), is given to prevent tumors from forming in the brain.
Surgery is part of the treatment plan for a small number of people with small cell lung cancer.
You can learn more about lung cancer in the following eMedTV articles:
Prognosis for Small Cell Lung Cancer
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options for small cell lung cancer depend on the following:
- The person's gender and general health
- The blood level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a substance found in the blood that may indicate cancer when the level is higher than normal.
For most people with small cell lung cancer, however, current treatments do not cure the condition.
