| There are two main types of lung cancer; small cell | | | | suspicion. If you notice yourself becoming short of |
| lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer | | | | breath for no logical reason go see your doctor and |
| (NSCLC). Of these two types, SCLC represents | | | | explain your concerns. They will then be able to |
| around 20%. It is often nicknamed oat cell carcinoma | | | | identify the cause of the breathlessness and |
| due to the oat like appearance of the small cells of | | | | determine if it is linked to SCLC. |
| the lungs. SCLC develops when these small cells start | | | | 3) CHEST PAIN:- Chest pain is a very serious |
| to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way and | | | | symptom which is linked with a number of conditions |
| eventually become malignant (cancerous). Since this | | | | including SCLC. The chest pain may be caused by |
| cancer affects the lungs this is the area where most | | | | coughing or deep breathing. However, you may also |
| of the symptoms manifest. In this article I will be | | | | experience constant or spontaneous chest pain. Any |
| discussing three of the most common small cell lung | | | | type of chest pain should be treated with extreme |
| cancer symptoms. | | | | caution and you should go see your doctor right |
| 1) A PERSISTENT COUGH:- If you notice you have a | | | | away. They will then be able to perform a number of |
| cough that does not seem to go away it could be a | | | | tests to identify the cause. |
| sign of SCLC. A lot of coughs will have no other | | | | Many of the symptoms of small cell lung cancer are |
| symptoms than a dry, hoarse, itchy feeling in the | | | | linked to the chest. Although the above symptoms |
| throat. However, some coughs result in phlegm and | | | | are not exclusive to SCLC, they do usually act as |
| blood coming up. Other coughs can even cause pain. | | | | early warning signs. If you notice any of the |
| You should inform your doctor if you notice any type | | | | symptoms discussed above you should inform your |
| of persistent cough and if any phlegm or blood | | | | doctor right away. They will be able to investigate |
| comes up you should inform them right away. The | | | | any suspicious coughs or spontaneous chest pains |
| cough may be down to something much less serious | | | | and determine if they are linked to SCLC. This type |
| but it may also be an early warning sign of SCLC. | | | | of cancer is much more treatable in the early stages |
| Your doctor will be able to perform a number of | | | | so it makes sense to act on any potential symptoms |
| tests and give you a professional diagnosis. | | | | early and go see your doctor. |
| 2) BREATHLESSNESS:- Feeling breathless for no | | | | Whilst every intention has been made to make this |
| apparent reason is another potential small cell lung | | | | article accurate and informative, it is intended for |
| cancer symptom. This can often lead to you feeling | | | | general information only. Small cell lung cancer is a |
| tired and lacking in energy whilst performing every | | | | very serious, life threatening condition and you should |
| day tasks such as walking down the street. | | | | discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes |
| Regardless of whether the breathlessness comes on | | | | fully with your doctor. |
| gradually or suddenly it should be treated with | | | | |