| There are two types of lung cancer; small cell lung | | | | cells). |
| cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). | | | | Smoking is the leading risk factor for this type of |
| SCLC is believed to account for around 20% of all | | | | lung cancer and is thought to be responsible for over |
| lung cancer diagnosis. This type of cancer develops | | | | 90% of SCLC occurrences. However, exposure to |
| when the small cells of the lung start to grow in a | | | | other substances including asbestos, radon and |
| rapid and uncontrolled way. Eventually this leads to | | | | uranium are also thought to increase your risk for this |
| the formation of a malignant (cancerous) tumour in | | | | type of cancer. |
| these cells. SCLC is often referred to as oat cell | | | | Since SCLC affects your lungs the symptoms |
| carcinoma because the small cells of the lung look | | | | associated with this type of cancer are linked to this |
| similar to oats. In this article I will be discussing SCLC | | | | area of the body. Some of the most common lung |
| in greater detail. | | | | cancer symptoms include a regular cough, |
| There are actually three types of small cell lung | | | | breathlessness, chest pain and coughing up mucus or |
| cancer; carcinoma, mixed small cell/large cell | | | | blood. If you notice any of these symptoms you |
| carcinoma and combined small cell carcinoma. In each | | | | should go see your doctor right away and explain |
| type the cancer cells grow and spread in different | | | | your concerns. They will then be able to perform a |
| ways. | | | | number of tests and if necessary start you on a |
| 1) SMALL CELL CARCINOMA:- This is the most | | | | SCLC treatment plan. |
| common form of SCLC representing around 95% of | | | | Most people are unaware of the different types of |
| all cases. This name is given when the cancer only | | | | lung cancer. Although small cell lung cancer is the less |
| affects the small cells of the lung. | | | | common of the two types it is still very dangerous |
| 2) MIXED SMALL CELL/LARGE CELL CARCINOMA:- | | | | and can prove fatal if ignored. I hope this article has |
| This is a less common sub-type of SCLC accounting | | | | given you a better understanding of small cell lung |
| for 4%-6% of all cases. It occurs when the | | | | cancer. If you have any concerns regarding this |
| characteristics of both small cell lung carcinoma and | | | | condition then go and see your doctor right away. |
| large cell carcinoma (a type of NSCLC) are present. | | | | They will be able to provide you with their |
| This sub-type is resistant to both chemotherapy and | | | | professional opinion and give you the best advice |
| radiation. | | | | possible. |
| 3) COMBINED SMALL CELL CARCINOMA:- This is the | | | | Whilst every intention has been made to make this |
| least common sub-type of SCLC and accounts for | | | | article accurate and informative, it is intended for |
| approximately 1% of all cases. It occurs when the | | | | general information only. Small cell lung cancer is a |
| small cell carcinoma combines with either squamous | | | | very serious, life threatening condition and you should |
| cell carcinoma (a type of NSCLC that develops in the | | | | discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes |
| cells lining the airways) and/or adenocarcinoma (a | | | | fully with your doctor. |
| type of NSCLC that develops in the mucus producing | | | | |