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Small Cell Tumor Cancer

Small cell tumor cancer is a form of lung cancer, wherein malignant cells form in the tissues of the lungs. According to the American Cancer Society, ten to 15 percent of all lung cancers are small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Small cell lung cancer is primarily caused by smoking. Small cell lung cancer grows rapidly and spreads quickly.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of small cell lung cancer can include coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. It is important to see a physician if you experience a cough that persists, shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing up blood. There are other symptoms that can be present such as wheezing, hoarseness, loss of appetite, swelling of the face and neck, unusual tiredness and weight loss for no apparent reason.

    Identification

    • Diagnosis of the small cell lung cancer will be done in a serious of test and x-rays. A chest x-ray is obtained along with a detailed physical exam and history. A CAT scan will also be ordered to examine detailed areas in the body from different angles. A PET scan may also be indicated to show if the small cell lung cancer has metastasized to other organs and areas of the body. A sputum culture will check for cancer cells in the sputum. A bronchoscopy is a procedure that can be used to look in the trachea and airways of the lungs for abnormal areas. A biopsy may also be in order to remove tissue of the lungs for testing.

    Staging

    • Once a patient has been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, the staging of the cancer will help the physician choose the best form of treatment. Unlike other cancers that are staged from one to four, small cell lung cancer has two main classifications. Limited stage is when the tumor is on one side of the chest, in the tissues between the lungs and only in nearby lymph nodes. Extensive stage is when the small cell cancer has metastasized or spread to other organs and areas of the body.

    Treatments

    • The National Cancer Institute states that treatments for patients with small cell lung cancer do not "cure" the cancer. The most effective treatment shown is chemotherapy. It can be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy. The drugs that are used in chemotherapy will depend on if the cancer is limited or extensive. Surgery is an option if the cancer is contained within one lung and only lymph nodes in the immediate area. Laser therapy is also being used to treat small cell lung cancer in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Endoscopic stent placement can be used to keep an airway open that has abnormal tissue growth from the cancer.

    Considerations

    • The National Cancer Institute states that survival rates for patients receiving chemotherapy along with twice daily radiation is 46 percent at two years and 26 percent at five years. Clinical trials are available for patients with small cell lung cancer. These clinical trials have certain criteria that the patient must meet and should be discussed with the oncologist in charge of the patient's current treatments. Clinical trials can offer different options for patients when conventional methods have not shown improvements.

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