| There are two main types of lung cancer; small cell | | | | CT scan is another useful small cell lung cancer test. |
| lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer | | | | It uses multiple x-rays to build a three dimensional |
| (NSCLC). SCLC is responsible for approximately 20% | | | | picture of the lungs. Your doctor can then use this |
| of these lung cancers. It is sometimes referred to as | | | | picture to get a better luck at any lumps or |
| oat cell carcinoma due to the small cells in the lung | | | | abnormalities that may have developed in the small |
| bearing a similar resemblance to oats. This type of | | | | cells. |
| cancer develops when the small cells start to grow | | | | 4) BRONCHOSCOPY:- A bronchoscopy allows your |
| rapidly and uncontrollably. There are a number of | | | | doctor to look at the inside of your airways using a |
| signs that can indicate SCLC including a persistent | | | | bronchoscope (a small, flexible tube which contains a |
| cough, feeling out of breath for no apparent reason | | | | camera or eyepiece). If they identify any possible |
| and chest pains. If you notice any of these signs or | | | | tumours the bronchoscope can then be used to take |
| have any other reason to believe that you may have | | | | a tissue sample. This sample can then be examined in |
| SCLC you should go see your doctor and get | | | | a laboratory to determine whether small cell lung |
| yourself tested. In this article I will be explaining some | | | | caner cells are present. |
| of the tests they may perform in greater detail. | | | | Although SCLC is one of the less common types of |
| 1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:- The first test your | | | | lung cancer it is still something that should not be |
| doctor is likely to perform is a physical examination. | | | | ignored. If you develop a constant cough, chest pains |
| This will allow them to ask you some questions about | | | | or notice any other suspicious symptoms that affect |
| your overall health and to view your symptoms for | | | | your chest you should go see your doctor and talk |
| themselves. They will also be able to question you | | | | to them about getting yourself tested. It may turn |
| about your smoking habits. Using this information your | | | | out to be nothing but it could crucially help you |
| doctor can then determine whether you need further | | | | identify small cell lung cancer in the early stages when |
| testing for SCLC. | | | | it is most treatable. |
| 2) CHEST X-RAY:- If your doctor feels that you | | | | Whilst every intention has been made to make this |
| require further testing following the physical | | | | article accurate and informative, it is intended for |
| examination they may recommend a chest x-ray. | | | | general information only. Small cell lung cancer is a |
| This will allow them to see if there are any visible | | | | very serious, life threatening condition and you should |
| abnormalities in the lungs which could turn out to be | | | | discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes |
| small cell lung cancer. | | | | fully with your doctor. |
| 3) COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- A | | | | |