Small Cell Carcinoma

Small cell carcinoma is also referred to as oat cell cancer. If you view these cancerous cells under a microscope, they actually look like oats. This condition, like all other lung cancers, is deeply tied to people who smoke or are exposed for a long period of time to someone who does smoke. Lung cancer can even develop in people who have already quit smoking. Small cell carcinoma involves tumors that secrete a hormone that causes symptoms such as weight gain, elevated blood sugar levels or even confusion. This type of cancer generally spreads by way of the fluids in the lungs, which means that it has the ability to reach other areas outside the chest area. These cancerous cells have a tendency to spread to areas such as the adrenal gland, bone, and brain.

Small Cell Carcinoma Symptoms:

Small cell carcinoma has symptoms similar to other cancers, including a persistent cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, feeling confused, shortness of breath, fatigue, bone pain and swelling of the face or neck. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you smoke or are around smoke regularly, contact a doctor immediately.

A doctor will run several tests to reach the proper diagnosis. After taking a medical history and learning about your smoking habits, the doctor may look into getting a CT scan and/or an MRI. Lung cancer can also be detected by using a chest x-ray, and most likely, this will be one of the first tests you undergo. This test can detect the location, the size, and the shape of the cancerous cells.

Diagnosis of Small Cell Carcinoma:

If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, your doctor may need further tests to determine what type of lung cancer you have. Your treatment will differ depending on whether or not you have a small cell carcinoma lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer. Other tests could include a biopsy. Another factor to determine when deciding on a treatment plan is how far has the lung cancer has advanced. Small cell carcinoma has two stages - limited and extensive. "Limited" means that the cancer is only in one lung and "extensive" means the cancer has spread to both lungs or even outside the chest area.

Treatment of Small Cell Carcinoma:

Since small cell carcinoma spreads so quickly, surgery is an unlikely treatment. Lung cancer that has spread to this degree will generally be treated with chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may also be used.

If you have been diagnosed with lung caner, you need to learn about your legal options as well as your medical plan of attack. Recent Florida Supreme Court rulings have lessened the burden on victims of smoking-related diseases, but there is only a certain amount of time available to hold the tobacco companies responsible for their actions. Contact an attorney today to learn more.