Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Small Cell

Typically originating in the bronchi near the center of the chest, SCLC is aggressive and spreads quickly throughout the body. In many cases the cancer can disperse from its initial location before presenting any symptoms. If symptoms do arise, they are usually nonspecific and can include an atypical cough, chest pain and weight loss.

There are three varieties of small cell lung cancer:
Small cell carcinoma (oat cell cancer)
Mixed small cell / large cell carcinoma
Combined small cell carcinoma

The majority of small cell lung cancer cases are oat cell type. Although the cancer cells are smaller in size compared to non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), which make up 85 to 90 percent of all lung cancers, SCLC grows quickly and produces large tumors.

In the early stages of development these tumors can rapidly spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, the liver, adrenal glands and the brain. Unfortunately, surgery is rarely an option with SCLC because of this factor. Doctors instead rely upon chemotherapy that attacks cancerous cells all throughout the body.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

There are three primary subtypes of NSCLC distinguishable by the appearance and chemical makeup of their cells:
Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma - The most common variety of NSCLC, these cancers form in flat cells that line the inside airways of the lungs. About 25 to 30 percent of all lung cancers are squamous, and this is the most prevalent type of NSCLC among men.
Adenocarcinoma - This type of cancer forms in mucus-producing glandular tissues that line the outer parts of the lungs. It is more common in women than men and the predominant type of cancer among non-smokers.
Large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma - Appearing in any part of the lung, this type of cancer grows and spreads more rapidly than the other varieties of NSCLC. Accounting for 10 to 15 percent of lung cancers, large cell carcinoma appears to be decreasing in occurrence due to advances in diagnostic techniques. 

Diagnosed with Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer?

The treatment you might need for your cancer depends greatly on the type of cancer you have. Although asbestos lung cancer doctors often treat more than one form of the disease, clinical trials are develop around specific disease types and circumstances. You may qualify for one of those clinical trials because of your specific disease.

The Mesothelioma Center provides free resources for individuals and their families who have been affected by asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you would like more information about these resources and services please contact our Patient Advocates at (800) 615-2270 or fill out the form on this page.

View Article Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). United States Cancer Statistics, 1999-2008. Retrieved fromhttp://wonder.cdc.gov/cancermort-v2008.HTML
Environmental Working Group (2012). The Asbestos Epidemic in America. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ewg.org/sites/asbestos/facts/fact1.php
Surveillance, Epidemiology, & End Results (2011). Fast Stats. Retrieved fromhttp://seer.cancer.gov/faststats/selections.php?#Output