Small cell lung cancer
The name of this type of common pathology according to the histological classification is explained by the small size of the cells, which are only twice as large as the blood cell. But, despite the part of the name "shallow", the problems in patients with this type of disease arise very deep. The prognosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) directly depends on the methods of treating the tumor in the lungs, on when the diagnosis was made and what stage of development was detected, and in general, it is disappointing.
This malignant formation is distinguished by its aggressive course - it quickly spreads, forms metastases on other large organs distant from the focus.
The causes of SCLC can be:
- Addiction to nicotine;
- Patient's heredity;
- Unfavorable ecology of the environment;
- Postponed severe lung disease (tuberculosis).
Content:
- Small cell lung cancer symptoms
- The most common symptoms of SCLC include:
- Small cell lung cancer treatment
- Life expectancy in small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer symptoms
In the early stages, small cell cancer does not let the patient know about itself, and the symptoms are practically not observed. But as soon as a tumor begins to form in the lungs, clinical manifestations become noticeable. They usually do not cause suspicion of cancer, since they are very similar to the signs of other respiratory diseases.
The most common symptoms of SCLC include:
- Chest pain;
- Dry cough in the early stages and coughing up blood in the later stages;
- Hoarse breathing, hoarseness when talking.
In cases where metastases have begun to develop on organs in SCLC, the following are added to the clinical manifestations:
- Headaches;
- Back pain;
- Difficulty swallowing food
- Hoarseness in voice, etc.
To make a high-quality diagnosis of SCLC at the initial stages, tomography of the lungs and scanning of bone tissues are necessary.
Small cell lung cancer treatment
The most effective treatment for patients with SCLC is chemotherapy, either alone or in combination with radiation therapy or lung surgery. In addition, it is possible to apply separately:
- Surgical removal of a cancerous tumor, which is successfully carried out in the early stages;
- Radiation therapy, when it is impossible to apply the surgical removal of a part of the affected organ.
Chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer in the early stages gives very good results. Its essence lies in the effect of certain medications on cancer cells. The drugs kill cells, retard their growth and spread in the body.
Life expectancy in small cell lung cancer
Of all oncological diseases, SCLC is distinguished by an aggressive course and an accelerated growth of metastases. If you do not start treatment in the early stages, then the survival rate of patients is practically reduced to zero, i.e. no more than 2-3 months. Treatment started on time can only prolong life several times with the help of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
It should be noted that this disease often affects men.
The author of the article: Bykov Evgeny Pavlovich | Oncologist, surgeon
Education: graduated from residency at the Russian Scientific Oncological Center. N. N. Blokhin "and received a diploma in the specialty" Oncologist"
