Small cell lung cancer is also referred to as the oat cell cancer. It is less ordinary than the common non-small cancer of the lung that we know. However, this type of lung cancer is very risky. If it occurs, it spreads very rapidly through the entire body. Sometimes, it also affects the other parts of the body. When it starts, it begins in breathing tubes and then it attains a larger size.

Causes of small cell lung cancer:

Like all other lung cancers that occur, the small cell lung cancer cause is also tobacco. In 87 percent of the cases, it is seen that those who have lung cancer are direct smokers. Sometimes occupational hazards also play a part in this lung cancer occurrence. There are various other cancer causing agents that we are exposed to daily. Moreover, those who have a family history of lung cancer occurrence are more prone to this disease. Hence one should be wary about smoking and all other agents.

Symptoms of small cell lung cancer:

One suffers from continuous pain in the chest, the thoracic cavity, etc. persistent coughing is also common followed by pain in dyspnea as well as sometimes blood comes out during the coughing stage. One should not allow it to reach advanced stages of cancer. This is because if it transforms itself into being metastasized then possibilities are high that it could lead to damage of any organ or even loss of memory, damages in brain, headache, etc.

Diagnosis of small cell lung cancer:

It is possible to diagnose small cell lung cancer through MRIs CT scans, and X-rays. It is also important to identify the location of the tumor as well as its shape and size. In order to confirm the procedure, sometimes sputum cytology and lung biopsy is performed.

Treatment of small cell lung cancer:

This type of cancer are either limited or they are extensive. If diagnosis takes time, then this type of cancer spreads into other organs of the body very rapidly. Surgery is also questionable. To cure the disease, one has to rely on both surgery and chemotherapy.

Limited stage of this cancer is treated with chemotherapy. Sometimes surgery is suggested by some of the physicians if any nodule is identified. Drugs are also used, like carboplatin, etoposide, etc. which needs to be taken continuously for six months. Radiation therapy is tried as well.

Small cell lung cancer in extensive stage is treated with chemotherapy and some drugs, such as cisplatin and etoposide. Radiation therapy is common here too.