Lung Cancer Treatment Program

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What is small cell lung cancer?

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the less common type of lung cancer and can spread more quickly. Small cell lung cancer accounts for only about 15% of all lung cancer diagnoses.

What causes small cell lung cancer?

The leading risk factor for small cell lung cancer is smoking tobacco products. Other risk factors include secondhand smoke, carcinogen exposure, and radiation therapy.

How is small cell lung cancer diagnosed?

A diagnosis for SCLC typically starts with an imaging test, but it must be confirmed with a biopsy. A pathologist looks at the tissue sample under a microscope to identify the cancer as small cell. This biopsy is essential for planning treatment.

What are the symptoms small cell lung cancer?

Small cell lung cancer typically exhibits symptoms like:

  • A new cough that won't fade
  • A cough with phlegm or sputum
  • Hoarseness when speaking
  • Weakness or wheezing
  • Recurring infections
  • Chest pain that intensifies with coughing

More advanced lung cancer symptoms could also include:

  • Bone pain
  • Headaches
  • Muscle weakness or eyelid drooping
  • Unintentional weight loss

Small cell lung cancer treatment

Because SCLC tends to spread rapidly, your care team will want to start small cell lung cancer treatments as soon as possible. Radiation and chemotherapy are the usual treatments. Some doctors may choose to apply these treatments preventively to areas where the lung cancer is likely to spread.

What is non-small cell lung cancer?

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a more common form of lung cancer. There are multiple different forms of NSCLC, but adenocarcinoma is the most common.

Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 85% of all lung cancer diagnoses.

What causes non-small cell lung cancer?

As with SCLC, smoking is the leading cause of non-small cell lung cancer. Other common causes include radiation exposure and exposure to carcinogens like asbestos or chromium.

How is non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed?

Like SCLC, a NSCLC diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy. The biopsy not only identifies the cancer as non-small cell but also allows doctors to test for specific genetic mutations (biomarkers), which can determine if you are a candidate for targeted therapy.

What are the symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer?

The symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer are mostly identical to those of small cell lung cancer (see the list above), including:

  • A persistent, productive cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Wheezing
  • Chest pain while coughing
  • Muscle weakness
  • Headaches

Non-small cell lung cancer treatment

Non-small cell lung cancer treatments are more varied than those for SCLC because it usually progresses more slowly. Surgical removal of the tumors may be an option, but other therapies used to treat NSCLC include:

In some cases, you may have the option to participate in clinical trials for new therapies that show promise.

NSCLC vs. SCLC: key differences

While the symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are similar, their treatment and causes are quite different. The main difference is that SCLC is less likely to be managed by surgery.

FAQs about the key differences between NSCLC vs. SCLC

These are among the most frequently asked questions about the difference between non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

Are the signs of lung cancer different in men vs. women?

Symptoms of lung cancer are generally the same in men and women. Symptoms that may be more prominent in women include fatigue, pain, back, chest, or shoulder pain, and shortness of breath. Men may experience more symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing more often due to their higher rates of squamous cell carcinoma.

What is the difference between NSCLC vs. SCLC staging?

Doctors talk about lung cancer in terms of “stages,” which describe how far the cancer has spread. Staging is an important part of the diagnostic and treatment process for both kinds of lung cancer, but the two types of lung cancer use different staging systems. Non-small cell lung cancer uses a 0-4 staging system, while small cell lung cancer uses a two-stage system (limited or extensive).

 

Is small cell or non-small cell lung cancer more aggressive?

Because small cell lung cancer spreads quickly it is generally more serious.

What is the life expectancy of a patient with small cell lung cancer?

Survival rates for lung cancer can vary from person to person. Your oncologist will be able to answer any questions you may have about your prognosis and the best treatment options for you.