Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Small Cell Lung Cancer: What You Need to Know

Small cell lung cancer, also known as small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, is an aggressive type of cancer that affects the lungs. Small cell lung cancer accounts for 10–15 percent of all lung cancers diagnosed, and is more common in smokers.

• Risk Factors: Risk factors for small cell lung cancer include smoking tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, and exposure to certain cancer-causing chemicals.
• Signs & Symptoms: Signs and symptoms of small cell lung cancer can include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, and weight loss.
• Diagnosis: Small cell lung cancer is typically diagnosed through imaging tests (e.g., x-rays or CT scans), biopsy, bronchoscopy, and/or sputum cytology.
• Stages: Small cell lung cancer is broken up into two stages (limited stage and extensive stage) based on the spread of the cancer cells.
• Treatment: Treatment options for small cell lung cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or clinical trials. Surgery may be an option in some cases.
• Outlook: The outlook for small cell lung cancer can vary greatly depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the treatment plan chosen.