Small cell lung cancer: diagnosis, treatment, prognosis

Oncological pathologies are widespread all over the world. Every year, the incidence of cancer is increasing. This is due to the fact that at present the methods of diagnostics of oncological pathologies have significantly improved. One of the most common forms is small cell lung cancer. In the world millions of people die of this disease every year. The question of how many live with lung cancer is very relevant. Doctors for a long time are trying to find a cure for cancer pathologies. In modern times, oncologists have made great strides in this area. Such achievements are mainly due to early diagnosis of the disease. In addition, the methods of treatment are constantly being improved.

Types of small cell lung cancer

Like all cancer, lung cancer has a variety. The classification is based on the radiographic forms and types of cells from which a tumor is formed. Depending on the morphology, there are 2 types of oncological processes. More common non-small cell lung cancer. It has a more favorable current. Small cell lung cancer is characterized by rapid metastasis. Occurs in more rare cases. Also, this disease can occur in a localized (local) and widespread form.

Depending on where the tumor is located, the following types are distinguished:

1. Central Cancer. It is characterized by the fact that the tumor is located in large and segmental bronchi. Most often, this pathology is difficult to diagnose.
2. Peripheral cancer. The oncological process develops in the lung tissue itself.
3. Upper cancer. It also affects the lung tissue. This variety is isolated in a separate group, because it differs in the clinical picture (it germinates in the vessels of the shoulder girdle, neck).
4. Cystic lung cancer.
5. Atypical and metastatic forms.
6. Pneumonia-like type of tumor.

What is the disease of small cell lung cancer?

This type of cancer occurs in 25% of cases. It is referred to as aggressive forms due to rapid spread to the lymphatic system. If there is a suspicion of oncological pathology in smokers, the diagnosis is often small cell lung cancer. Life expectancy in this disease primarily depends on the stage of the process. Individual characteristics of the organism and the tolerability of treatment are also important. The malignancy of this type of cancer is due to the fact that it arises from undifferentiated cells. Such a tumor seems to "sow" the pulmonary parenchyma on a large extent, as a result of which it is difficult to detect the primary focus.

Etiology of small cell cancer

Like any oncological pathology, small cell lung cancer does not occur just like that. Atypical cells begin to multiply due to several predisposing factors. The main cause of small cell cancer is smoking. Also, there is a correlation between morbidity and exposure to harmful substances (heavy metals, arsenic). The likelihood of developing cancer increases in older people who have a high smoker index (who have abused tobacco for many years). Predisposing factors include chronic lung diseases, including tuberculosis, COPD, obstructive bronchitis. The risk of developing small-celled cancer is increased among people who have constant contact with dust particles. With a combination of factors such as smoking, chronic diseases and occupational hazards, the likelihood of the appearance of a tumor is very high. In addition, the causes of development of cancer processes include a decrease in the body's immune defenses and chronic stress.

The stages of small cell lung cancer

On the question of how many live with lung cancer, you can answer only by knowing the stage of the disease. It depends on the size of the cancer process and the degree of spread to other organs. Like most tumors, lung cancer has 4 stages. In addition, there is also an initial phase of the disease. In another way, it is called a "prerak". This phase is characterized by the fact that the small-cell elements are located only on the inner shell of the lungs.

The first stage of cancer is characterized by a tumor size of up to 3 cm. The nearby lymph nodes are not damaged. A healthy lung tissue is located around the tumor process.

The second stage. There is an increase in size (up to 7 cm). Lymph nodes remain unaffected. Nevertheless, the tumor sprouts into the pleura and bronchi.

The third stage. It is characterized by large dimensions of the oncological process. Cancer sprouts into the lymph nodes of the chest, vessels of the neck and mediastinum. Also, the tumor can spread to the tissue of the pericardium, trachea, esophagus.

The fourth stage is characterized by the appearance of metastases in other organs (liver, bones, brain).

Clinical picture of small cell lung cancer

Clinical manifestations of the disease depend on the stage of small cell lung cancer. At the initial stages, pathology is very difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are practically absent. The first signs of cancer are observed in the second stage of the disease. These include: increased dyspnea, a change in the nature of the cough (in patients with COPD), chest pain. In some cases, the appearance of impurity blood in the sputum. Changes that occur in the third stage depend on where the tumor has grown. When involved in the process of the heart, symptoms such as pain, arrhythmias, tachy- or bradycardia appear. If the swelling affects the pharynx and esophagus, there is a violation of swallowing, pinches. The terminal stage is characterized by general weakness, enlarged lymph nodes, subfebrile temperature and weight loss.

Small cell lung cancer: life expectancy with such a diagnosis

Unfortunately, this disease progresses very quickly. The life expectancy of patients depends on when exactly the terrible diagnosis is made - "small cell lung cancer". The prognosis of the disease is unfavorable. This is especially true for patients with stages 3 and 4 of the oncological process. With the initial forms of small cell cancer also difficult to treat. Nevertheless, sometimes it is possible to achieve a delay in tumor growth. It is impossible to accurately determine how long the patient has to live. It depends on the human body and on the speed of cancer. The five-year survival rate for a small-cell lung tumor is 5-10%.

Oncocenter (Moscow): cancer treatment

If the stage of the disease allows, then the cancer must be treated. Removal of the tumor and therapy will not only prolong the life of the patient, but also alleviate his suffering. For effective treatment, you should find a qualified specialist and a good oncological center. Moscow is considered one of the cities where medicine is developed at a very high level. In particular, this applies to oncology. New methods of treatment are being developed here, clinical trials are being conducted. In Moscow there are several regional oncological dispensaries and hospitals. The most significant centers are the Herzen and Blokhin Institute . In these oncological dispensaries there is a newest equipment for treatment, the best specialists of the country work. The experience of Moscow's scientific institutions is widely used abroad.

Small cell lung cancer: treatment

Treatment of small cell lung cancer is carried out depending on the nature of growth, size and stage of the tumor process. The main method is chemotherapy. It can slow the growth of the tumor, increasing the life expectancy of the patient for months and years. Chemotherapy can be used for all stages of the oncological process, with the exception of the terminal phase. In this case, the patient's condition should be relatively satisfactory and not be accompanied by other severe pathologies. Small cell lung cancer can have a localized form. In this case, chemotherapy is combined with surgical treatment and radiotherapy.