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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)