What is Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)?

There are two types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC is believed to account for around 20% of all lung cancer diagnosis. This type of cancer develops when the small cells of the lung start to grow in a rapid and uncontrolled way. SCLC is often referred to as oat cell carcinoma because the small cells of the lung look similar to oats. In this article I will be discussing SCLC in greater detail.

 

There are actually three types of SCLC cancer. In each type the cancer cells grow and spread in different ways.

1) SMALL CELL CARCINOMA: This is the most common form of SCLC representing around 95% of all cases. This name is given when the cancer only affects the small cells of the lung.

2) MIXED SMALL CELL/LARGE CELL CARCINOMA: This is a less common sub-type of SCLC accounting for 4%-6% of all cases. It occurs when the characteristics of both small and large cell carcinoma (a type of NSCLC) are present. This sub-type is resistant to both chemotherapy and radiation.

3) COMBINED SMALL CELL CARCINOMA: This is the least common sub-type of SCLC and accounts for approximately 1% of all cases. It occurs when the small cell carcinoma combines with either squamous cell carcinoma (a type of NSCLC that develops in the cells lining the airways) and/or adenocarcinoma (a type of NSCLC that develops in the mucus producing cells).

Smoking is the leading risk factor for this type of lung cancer and is thought to be responsible for over 90% of SCLC occurrences. Since SCLC affects your lungs the symptoms associated with this type of cancer are linked to this area of the body. Some of the most common lung cancer symptoms include a regular cough, breathlessness, chest pain and coughing up mucus or blood. 

Most people are unaware of the different types of lung cancer. Although SCLC is the less common of the two types it is still very dangerous and can prove fatal if ignored. If you have any concerns regarding this condition then go and see your doctor right away. SCLC is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

2 Top Tips For Preventing Small Cell Lung Cancer

SCLC is one of the less common types of lung cancer accounting for around 20% of all diagnoses. It is often referred to as oat cell carcinoma because the small cells of the lungs look similar to oats. SCLC develops when the small cells of the lung start to grow in a rapid and uncontrolled way leading to the formation of malignant (cancerous) tumors. Unfortunately the outlook for people who contract SCLC is bleak with the five year survival rate being less than 20%. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your chances of developing this disease. In this article I will be discussing three things you can do to prevent small cell lung cancer.

1) QUIT SMOKING: Smoking has been scientifically proven to cause a number of cancers. However, it is most strongly linked with lung cancers. Every time you inhale the smoke from a cigarette these carcinogens go straight to your lungs greatly increasing the chance of cancerous growths in the small cells of your lungs. Therefore, by quitting smoking you can significantly lower your chances of developing SCLC.

Uranium, radon (which is created by the breakdown of uranium) and asbestos are all thought to increase your likelihood of contracting SCLC. When combined with smoking these substances are thought to be an even more significant SCLC risk. Therefore, by avoiding these chemicals you can help prevent small cell lung cancer.

2) EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: Although the research is not conclusive a number of studies have suggested that fruits and vegetables can help prevent SCLC. As I mentioned at the beginning of the article the survival rate for this type of cancer is low. 

By quitting smoking and avoiding smoky environments you can drastically reduce your risk but by doing the other things listed in this article too you can prevent small cell lung cancer even further. SCLC can be prevented and I hope this article has shown you how.

Small cell lung cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

© About Cancer Cell 2014