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Small Cell Carcinoma occurs in approximately 20% of the cases of Lung Cancer.

Also referred to as “Oat Cell Carcinoma”.

This tumor typically arises from the Bronchial Region centrally.

It can often cause bronchial narrowing and/or obstruction.

The tissue involved the Oat Cell Carcinoma are cells that secrete neuroendocrine hormones.

Production of ADH and ACTH occur from the lungs instead of an Endocrine Origin.

This is referred to as Paraneoplastic Syndromes .

Can be seen as a mass on X-ray or CT.

4 main types account for over 90% of Lung Cancers

1.)  Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma
2.)  Lung Adenocarcinoma
3.)  Large Cell Lung Carcinoma
4.)  Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Symptoms:

• Cough
• Sputum [Blood and/or mucus]
• Shortness of Breath
• Wheezing
• Dyspnea
• Weight Loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing [Dysphagia]
• Asthenia – lack or loss of strength, weakness
• Seizures
• Change in voice
• Nausea
• Headache

Stages

Stage I and II  surgery is a possibility

Stage IIIA has very limited success with surgery alone

Stage IIIB requires combo of chemotherapy and radiation

Stage IV is palliative or symptom therapy with little shown success with regards to curative

Treatment:

Is unlikely without resection – but not all individuals can handle surgery

Chemotherapy:

• Cisplatin  (Platinol)
• Camptosar
  
• Camptothecin
• Carboplatin  (Paraplatin)
• Epirubicin
• Etoposide
  
• Taxol  (Paclitaxal)
• Topotecan  (Hycamtin)