Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer is a less common type of carcinoma. Two main lung type carcinomas are classified, both being categorized by size and appearance seen under microscope. Small cell carcinoma is only 16,8% of total number of lung carcinomas (non-small cell being 80%).
Most commonly appearing in the primary and secondary airways as tumors. Being a Malignant tumor it starts to spread and grow rapidly. Small Cell carcinoma lung cancer is also more metastatic, cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body.
Because of the metastatic tendency this type of cancer can create tumors in any part of the body. Skin, Mouth, urinary bladder, lips are the most common combination types. Since it spreads trough the bloodstream the organs can be infected just as easily.
There are several types of known treatments. Depending on such factors as the stage of the cancer, the malignancy and the spreading. An early noticed lung cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy or Adjuvant chemotherapy (after surgery).
Radiotherapy, which is often given with chemotherapy is used when the patient cannot go trough surgery. Chest radiation is used as a sort of symptom control. With a limited stage small cell lung cancer patients are given prophylactic cranial irradiation (or PCI for short) in hopes of reducing the risk of metastasis.
