The difference is how the cancer behaves and its appearance under a microscope.
This article will discuss small cell lung cancerprognosis, treatment, and survival.
It will also cover how to manage the symptoms and treatment side effects.
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Receiving a small cell lung cancer diagnosis can be a confusing and emotional event.
There will be endless questions and concerns as you process the information.
This could be on your phone, in a notebook, or anywhere that is easily accessible.
Write down any information from your healthcare provider like:
you should probably be your best advocate.
Keep a separate list of questions to ask your healthcare provider.
There will be so much information given to you when you get your diagnosis.
Do not be afraid to repeat questions or ask for clarification if you do not understand.
This will allow for prompt treatment.
One of the measures of how quickly cancer grows is itsdoubling time.
Doubling time is the amount of time it takes for a cell or tumor to double in size.
Small cell lung cancer’s doubling time can be as short as 25 to 30 days.
Small Cell Lung Cancer Risk Factors
The greatest risk factor for small cell lung cancer is smoking.
Symptoms can include:
Managing these symptoms can be difficult.
As the cancer spreads and grows symptoms will worsen.
One of the most uncomfortable symptoms, difficulty breathing, can be managed with help from a healthcare provider.
Certain medications that treat difficulty breathing include:
How Treatable Is Small Cell Lung Cancer?
When given along with radiation, tumor shrinkage is seen in 80% to 100% of cases.
Radiation therapy may be given to the chest to address the site of the tumor.
Radiation is also often given to the head (prophylactic cranial irradiation) to prevent spread to the brain.
This is a study of newer treatments or combinations of treatments.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
Chemotherapy plus immunotherapy has a positive response, with 60% to 80% achieving tumor shrinkage.
Relapse or Recurrence
Unfortunately, the recurrence of small cell lung cancer is high.
Overall, people with limited stage SCLC have a median survival of 16 to 24 months.
People with extensive stage SCLC have a median survival of six to 12 months.
Facing Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
SCLC treatment can be daunting to think about.
There will be major changes in almost every aspect of your life.
Finding a support system will be crucial in navigating all the changes.
Chemotherapy causes certain blood counts to drop.
This can increase a person’s chance of infections which can become very serious.
The side effects of this treatment include:
Radiation is a common treatment for SCLC.
Its side effects include tiredness, reddened skin, and painful swallowing.
They may want to try aclinical trialor enterpalliative careorhospice.
Whatever they choose, the support of healthcare providers, family, and friends will be necessary.
Palliative care is used to improve the quality of life for someone with a terminal condition.
It treats or prevents the symptoms and side effects of the condition.
The person can continue their standard treatment (chemotherapy or radiation) along with palliative care.
Hospice is when treatment to cure cancer is stopped, although palliative care continues.
The goal is to maintain quality of life.
Summary
Receiving a small cell lung cancer diagnosis is challenging.
It will produce endless emotions and concerns.
Treatment options are available depending on the stage of the cancer.
If treatment is no longer working, shifting towards supportive treatment is an option.
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