Summary- Small cell lung cancer
All cancers start with a group of cells that grow out of control. Cancer is always named after the place it starts, in this case we are looking at small-cell lung cancer. Small-cell lung cancer, also known as small-cell carcinoma, is a type of fast growing cancer in the lung, mainly caused by smoking. Small-cell lung cancer is most aggressive than non-small cell lung cancer.
Description
Small cell lung cancer grows and spreads rapidly. Tobacco is the predominant cause of small-cell lung cancer. Symptoms of the cancer include cough, trouble breathing and chest pain. There are a few different tests that can be done to diagnose the cancer, including X-ray, biopsy, blood tests, and PET scan. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pet-scan/about/pac-20385078 To learn more about this test.
There are 2 stages this cancer is separated into, limited stage and extensive stage. In limited stage, the cancer may be spread to the area between the lungs or lymph nodes. When the cancer has spread to the other organs and places in the body, it is in extensive stage.
There are treatments that are used to treat, not cure, this cancer. Chemotherapy is usually the go to, or radiation and surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to to stop the growth of cancer cells. It either stops the cells from dividing, or kills them. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/about/pac-20385033 Depending on the stage of the lung cancer, will determine how the chemotherapy is given. New types of treatments are being clinically trialed all the time. To learn more visit https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials
Cancer prevention is an action taken by us to lower our chances of getting it. Smoking can be avoided as a risk factor to developing this small-cell lung cancer. Even being around second hand smoke makes you at risk. Take action and know your risk factors to stop from developing something that can be avoidable.
News Articles
Dustin Diamond
We all, or most of us know the show Saved by the bell. Former actor Dustin Diamond, also known as Screech, has passed from this Small-cell lung cancer earlier this month. He was hospitalized for pain and found out it was stage IV small cell lung cancer. https://www.medpagetoday.com/blogs/celebritydiagnosis/91009
Immunotherapy may be more beneficial in treating SCLC
Immuno-oncology therapies have been providing potential health gains for patients living with small-cell lung cancer. Recently in 2020, data provided states that younger patients seemed to respond best to the treatment. In previous times, immuno-oncology has had successful improving responses in the overall survival for small-cell lung cancer. https://www.curetoday.com/view/immunotherapy-may-be-more-beneficial-in-treating-small-cell-lung-cancer
The final stages of lung cancer
This article talks about stage 4 lung cancer. At this stage, it means that the cancer has spread from the starting point, the lung, and has moved to other parts of the body. Varies from person to person. One could live only weeks and others months to even years. Treatment will no longer help at this point. One can qualify for hospice care to become more comfortable in the last stages of life with this cancer. https://www.healthline.com/health/lung-cancer/final-stages-of-lung-cancer-your-faqs#untreated-lung-cancer
References
small -cell lung cancer, webmd .com https://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/small-cell-lung-cancer
If you have small-cell lung cancer; cancer.org https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/if-you-have-small-cell-lung-cancer-sclc.html
Lung cancer prevention; cancer.gov https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/lung-prevention-pdq