Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less common compared with non-small cell lung cancer, it comprise 14-25% of all lung cancer. It characterized by small cells that multiply quickly and form large tumors that travel throughout the body. Almost all cases of SCLC are due to smoking.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) can distinguished from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by a rapid tumour doubling time and high growth fraction. Small cell lung cancer forms in the central airways in 80–90% of cases. At presentation up to 70% have already metastasized; most commonly to bone, liver, brain, bone marrow, retro-peritoneal lymph nodes, soft tissue and adrenals.
Prognosis of small cell lung cancer
In limited stage disease, median survival with treatment is up to 20 months, and about 20% of patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer live 5 years or longer. The prognosis is far worse in extensive stage small cell lung carcinoma, with treatment, median survival is just up to 13 months, and only 1-5% of patients with extensive stage small cell lung carcinoma treated with chemotherapy live 5 years or longer.
Main Article: Lung Cancer Types
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