Large Cell Lung Cancer is a group of tumors, involving the Lings,  whose cells are large in comparison to other cells and is a form of Non-small cell lung cancer.

Can also be called Large Cell Lung Carcinoma or LCLC.

They occur in approximately 10% of the cases of Lung Cancer

Typically these tumors do not fit into other categories and is therefore a diagnosis of exclusion.

These tumors are very aggressive and double cell numbers quickly.

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

Diagnosis

Chest X-ray

Chest CT

Bronchoscopy

PET Scan – a test to look for aggressively growing tumors/cells

Lung Biopsy

 

Stages

Can be broken down into 4 stages.

1.)  Stage 1:  Cancer is localized inside the lung.  (Not spread into regional lymph nodes)

2.)  Stage 2:  Cancer has spread to lining of lungs or local lymph nodes  (Often contained in the main Bronchus)

3.)  Stage 3:  Cancer has spread to tissues near the lungs.

4.)  Stage 4:  Cancer has spread to other parts of the body.  (Metastasized)

Learn more about the Stages of Lung Cancer.

 

Treatment:

Surgery

Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy:

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