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Know All About a Small Cell Lung Cancer

BY: Ritu Choudhary | Category: Lung Cancer | Submitted: 2010-07-03 18:50:58
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What is small cell lung cancer?
Small cell lung cancer is approximately 20% of all cases of lung cancer. This form of cancer is characterized by very small and fragile cells that grow very quickly. This enables them to rapidly spread through the body. Often small cell lung cancer spread even before the when symptoms arises. The treatment of small cell lung cancer is completely different than in non-small cell lung cancer. In most cases, no surgical intervention is required, but it can be treated by radiotherapy (EBRT) and chemotherapy.

Small cell lung cancer is detectable
The signs or symptoms of lung cancer are not only caused by the tumor itself, including the definition of metastases throughout the body and their impact on the functioning of other organs can cause symptoms. Complaints directly caused by the tumor are, for example: cough, blood in the abandonment of phlegm, shortness of breath with wheezing and sometimes a recurring inflammation of the airways. Also due to metastases, various complaints or symptoms props up like enlarged lymph nodes, blockage in superior vena cava also known as superior vena cava syndrome, and dilation in veins of the neck, face and arms and developed of frequent headache. Hoarseness in voice may be due to the pressure of enlarged lymph nodes or the tumor itself of the nerve that goes to the vocal cord. Chest pain can occur due to growth into the chest wall. Difficulty in swallowing may be caused by enlarged lymph nodes near the esophagus button. Because this tumor spreads rapidly through the body, symptoms may also occur elsewhere in the body. Bone pains in the back and in the arms or legs are caused by bone metastasis. Headache may be due to metastases in the brains. Metastasis in the liver may also give pain, but also are a common symptom of jaundice. The tumor cells may secrete a type of substance through endocrine glands. The secretion may lead to increase in sodium levels in the blood also rise in lime content in the blood. There may also be symptoms that fit the feminization of men as breast development and loss of male pattern hair.

Research done for lung cancer
If there is a suspicion that someone may have lung cancer then it is accompanied by a lot of investigations. This investigation aims to find out if there is indeed a tumor and if yes then how big the tumor is and which line of treatments shall be followed. The doctor begins by obtaining a history (asking focused questions) to determine whether the symptoms are indeed in the direction of a malignant disease of the lungs. It should also be determined whether other health problems, particularly of the heart and lungs are also prevalent. There follows a physical examination to detect any light or enlarged glands like enlarged liver etc. Investigation is also done to find whether there are other signs that may indicate metastases. A long shot is taken to check for abnormalities, such as a tumor and enlarged glands, and moisture between the lung membranes. CT scan is done of the area of body where tumor is expected. Observation is also made to find out the presence or absence of enlarged lymph nodes. Simultaneous recordings of the liver and adrenal glands are also done. Bronchoscope (looking into the airway with a flexible hose) makes it possible to obtain results for pathological examination.

Treatment of small cell lung cancer
The previous study aims to determine whether there has been limited or extensive disease showing signs of spreading to other parts of body. When there is a very small tumor without signs of metastasis, then the tumor with surrounding tissue is removed by the use of surgery followed by chemotherapy.

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About Author / Additional Info:
I am not a cancer doctor. Always consult your doctor before taking any action or conclusion regarding your medical condition.

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