Description
Small cell lung cancer is a fast growing cancer and is more aggressive than non-small cell lung cancer, the other major type of lung cancer. There are two types of small cell lung cancer depending on the type of cells involved: small cell carcinoma (oat cell cancer), and combined small cell carcinoma. Most cases of this cancer occur in cigarette smokers. This cancer is very difficult to treat and the survival rate at 5 years after the diagnosis ranges from 2% to 31% depending on the size of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas of the body (metastasize).
Symptoms
Cough, chest pain, bloody sputum, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, and weakness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Lab and imaging tests are performed to define the extent of the cancer. A bronchoscopy or lung tissue biopsy is usually performed to determine the type of cancer. Sometimes the cell type of the cancer can be identified by looking at a sputum sample.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, X-ray
Specialists:
Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Radiation Oncology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Lab and imaging tests are performed to define the extent of the cancer. A bronchoscopy or lung tissue biopsy is usually performed to determine the type of cancer. Sometimes the cell type of the cancer can be identified by looking at a sputum sample.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, X-ray
Specialists:
Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Radiation Oncology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the extent of the disease and may consist of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.