Sex After Prostate Cancer: Exercise May Help
Prostate cancer affects more American men than any other cancer, with the exception of skin cancer. In addition to the impact of the cancer itself,
Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment in NJ, CT, and MD
Although small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less common than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it spreads much faster than the latter. Furthermore, small cell lung cancer that has spread often is incurable. Early detection of the disease allows for early treatment and — ultimately — a greater chance of survival.
At Regional Cancer Care Associates, cancer and blood disorder specialists provide comprehensive and compassionate care for a host of conditions, including SCLC. Patients in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area rely on these experienced doctors to provide advanced treatment solutions.
What Is Small Cell Lung Cancer?
Small cell lung cancer presents in two main forms — small cell carcinoma and combined small cell carcinoma. Both originate in lung tissues, but each features distinct malignant cells and appears differently under a microscope, which is how physicians distinguish between the two.
In most cases, SCLC already has metastasized outside the lungs at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, it is more likely than NSCLC to recur, even after treatment.
Stages of Small Cell Lung Cancer
While doctors use a four-stage system to characterize the nature of many cancers, most use a two-stage categorization for staging small cell lung cancer. Staging is an essential step as it helps determine the prognosis – meaning the likely outcome –of the disease in a specific patient and helps physicians determine the best treatment plan for that person. The two stages of SCLC are:
Limited
Approximately 33% of people with small cell lung cancer are at the limited stage when first diagnosed. At this point, cancerous cells are present only in one lung and in nearby lymph nodes. At the limited stage, a doctor may recommend a more aggressive cancer treatment to cure the disease.
Extensive
The extensive stage means cancer has spread to the other lung, to lymph nodes on the other side of the chest, and to organs in farther areas of the body. Small cell lung cancer may also be categorized as extensive if it has reached the fluid surrounding the lung. Two-thirds of people with SCLC are diagnosed at the extensive stage.
Symptoms of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Patients with early-stage small cell lung cancer seldom experience signs of the condition. More often, indicators of the disease emerge as it progresses. Small cell lung cancer symptoms include:
- Persistent or worsening cough
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Wheezing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Trouble breathing
- Tiredness
- Hoarseness
- Swollen face and neck veins
- Loss of appetite and inexplicable weight loss
Risk Factors of Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Lung cancer affects patients of all backgrounds and health histories, but some factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease. The following are significant risk factors for SCLC: Smoking and secondhand smoke
- Family history of small cell lung cancer
- Older age
- Exposure to air pollution or radiation
- Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, nickel, tar, or other chemicals frequently found on work sites
- Having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Diagnosing Small Cell Lung Cancer
If a doctor suspects that a patient might have small cell lung cancer, he or she will order several tests to confirm the diagnosis. Usually, physicians start with a chest x-ray to identify whether the patient has any suspect spots on the lungs. From there, they may order one or more of the following screenings and tests:
- Biopsy
- Bronchoscopy
- Sputum cytology
- Computed tomography (CT) scan or other imaging study
Treating Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer treatment may feature one therapy or multiple interventions, with the treatment regimen determined by factors including the patient’s age, the extent of cancer, preexisting health issues, the likelihood that a treatment will cure the disease, and the side effects of the drugs administered or other form of therapy. Common treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy: Patients are given powerful drugs that destroy cancers.
- Clinical trials: These thoughtfully created and carefully managed scientific studies test drugs, devices, and other interventions to assess their safety and effectiveness.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment approach harnesses the power of the body’s immune system, enabling it to eliminate cancerous cells.
- Radiation therapy: Typically offered alongside other treatments, radiation therapy employs high-energy rays to eradicate cancer cells or slow their growth.
- Surgery: In SCLC, surgery often is followed by chemotherapy or chemotherapy given in combination with radiation therapy.
- Targeted therapy: Like chemotherapy, this drug therapy attacks cancerous cells. However, targeted therapy acts against cells with specific genetic mutations that contribute to the development and spread of SCLC.
Find Treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer in NJ, MD, and CT
Patients in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area requiring small cell lung cancer treatment should consider Regional Cancer Care Associates. RCCA’s highly experienced oncologists and hematologists serve patients at 25 community-based care centers across the region, taking a patient-centered approach to treating for various cancer types and blood disorders. Visit one of the locations to learn more about cancer treatment or to schedule an appointment.
Let Us Help You Fight
If you or a loved one is battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you aren’t alone. Our experts at Regional Cancer Care Associates are dedicated to delivering accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. To find out more or make an appointment, get in touch with us at one of our locations throughout Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey.
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