Differences Between SCLC & NSCLC

Two forms of lung cancer exist according to the American Cancer Society: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The annual death rate associated with both forms of lung cancer exceeds 400,000 in the United States (as of June 2011), making lung cancer one of the deadliest types of cancer in existence.

Occurence Statistics

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the more common version of lung cancer. Occurrence rates, according to the American Lung Association, state that 85 percent to 90 percent of all lung cancer cases are NSCLC. This means that 10 percent to 15 percent of lung cancer cases are SCLC, making the small cell form more rare by comparison.

Smoking Factor

• Though NSCLC and SCLC can be attributed to smoking cigarettes, the predisposition toward SCLC is more common in smokers. Smoking can be a contributing factor in both forms, however, since SCLC is widespread with smaller tumors located throughout the lungs, it is more pervasive in the primary area impacted by smoking.

Survival Rates

• Survival and mortality rates among all cancer patients continue to improve as new treatments and targeted drug design improves overall outlook. According to the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association; the five-year survival rate for NSCLC is 17.3 percent with SCLC being 6.2 percent.

Treatment

• Treatment plans for NSCLC and SCLC differ widely, though it is not possible to list a standard treatment plan for either as a patient's total health and well-being is taken into account prior to beginning any form of therapy. Treatment can involve the use of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery; or, if the cancer is far enough advanced, no treatment may be used and only medication to keep the patient comfortable is administered.