Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment - What You Should Know

small cell lung cancer treatment options

Small cell lung cancer treatment (SCLC) is similar to the non-small cell (NSCLC) with a few exceptions. Because of the difficulty in detecting this cancer in its early stages, SCLC is usually advanced at the time of diagnosis. In fact, several studies estimate the number of cases of advanced stage SCLC at 40 percent.

SCLC

small cell lung cancer is aggressive and metastasize quickly. Symptoms usually begin after the cells have metastasized, resulting in high mortality rate. The cells will travel through the blood and / or lymph nodes, spread to the liver, brain, bones and other areas.

are two other types of SCLC to mix large and small cell and combined small cell. This type of cancer is 90 percent attributable to smoking and they usually form in bronchii in the central chest.

Symptoms

Rapidly growing tumors in the airways cause the symptoms of blood in the sputum, chest pain and dyspnea (labored breathing). When cancer restricts blood vessels, swelling May occur in the face or neck. Cancerous growths in the esophagus and may cause changes in voice and swallowing difficult. General symptoms include sudden unexplained weight loss and constant fatigue.

treatment

Current methods of treatment based on diagnosis. Unlike NSCLC, who had been diagnosed in stages, the SCLC has been 'limited' or 'extensive'. Limited shows the cancer is still relatively localized. Extensive show that has metastasized. For some patients, the tumor can be surgically removed.

Doctors use chemotherapy as first-line protocol in most cases of SCLC. Second-line therapy may include surgery, external or internal radiation. External radiation of high energy focused beam to the affected areas outside of the body. Side effects include irritated, peeling skin, extreme fatigue.

Internal radiotherapy is also known as brachytherapy. This method is used to reduce the tumor causes extreme discomfort, or in conjunction with the first line of treatment. This is not considered a cure at this time. Stereotactic external radiation therapy is a new method that focuses high doses of external energy to the exact area. Because of the position accuracy, maintain a minimal healthy tissue damage.

Currently, all forms of SCLC have been targeted by one or more of the above methods.