1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Small Cell Lung Cancer

By , About.com Guide

Updated March 02, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small Cell Lung Cancer

A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia

Small cell lung cancer (oat cell) accounts for roughly 20% of lung cancers. Known for its rapid growth and spread to other areas of the body, most individuals do not have symptoms until shortly before diagnosis.

Small cell lung cancer, unlike non-small cell lung cancer, is classified into only 2 stages, limited and extensive. With limited small cell cancer, the tumor is found on only one side of the chest. At least 60 to 70% of tumors are extensive, having spread to other regions of the body at the time of diagnosis.

Smoking is the major cause of small cell lung cancer. Other risk factors include exposure to radon, asbestos, and uranium mining.

Although less than 5% of patients have a tumor that can be removed surgically, small cell lung cancer does respond well to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Sadly, despite treatment, overall survival is less than 20%.

Sources:

National Cancer Institute. General Information on Small Cell Lung Cancer. Updated 02/13/09. http://www.cancer.gov/CANCERTOPICS/PDQ/TREATMENT/SMALL-CELL-LUNG/PATIENT.

Related Video
Heart-Lung Machines in Open-Heart Surgery
Effects of Sickle Cell Disease

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.