Small cell and non-small cell are the two main types of lung cancer. There are several key differences, including the outlook for those with each condition. Show
In a person with small cell lung cancer, the cancerous cells appear small and round under a microscope. The cells of non-small cell lung cancer are larger. Smoking is a major risk factor for both types. Of those who receive a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, 95% have a history of smoking. There are several subtypes of both small and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancers include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, and large cell carcinoma. Small cell lung cancers vary depending on the expression of specific genes. Some types are more aggressive than others, but generally, small cell lung cancer is more aggressive than non-small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer — including both small and non-small cell types — is the third most common form of cancer among adults in the United States. Lung cancers account for 13% of new cancer diagnoses. Small and non-small cell lung cancers cause similar symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms do not appear until the cancer reaches a later stage. Symptoms include:
The symptoms of small and non-small cell lung cancers are similar, but small cell lung cancer spreads more rapidly. A person may be more likely to experience symptoms after lung cancer has reached a later stage. Does lung cancer affect women differently? Learn more here. Can shoulder pain be a sign of lung cancer? Find out more. Causes and risk factors for small and non-small cell lung cancer tend to be similar. Smoking is the main risk factor. Cigarette smoke and the chemicals it contains can damage the lungs. This can lead to cellular changes that may result in cancer. Additional risk factors include:
Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer. Find some ideas about how to quit here. If a person sees a doctor about a persistent cough and other possible symptoms of lung cancer, the doctor will ask questions and take a medical history. They will also perform a physical examination. If lung cancer may be present, the doctor will also request imaging scans, such as an X-ray or CT scan, and look for signs of a tumor, scarring, or a buildup of fluid. They may also request samples of phlegm in order to perform a sputum test. This can help indicate whether cancer is present. The doctor will probably ask the person to provide a sample every morning for 3 days in a row. Doctors may also perform a biopsy. This involves using a needle to take a sample of cells from the lungs for examination under a microscope. They may do this during surgery. A biopsy can show:
Sometimes, the doctor requests a bronchoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a tool with a built-in camera through the mouth or nose and into the lungs. This helps them see the area and take tissue samples. They may also carry out other tests to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the lungs. What does lung cancer look like? Find out here. StagingThe stage of cancer describes how far it has spread within the body. There are different ways to describe the stages. One simple way is:
However, each type of lung cancer has its own specific method of staging. Non-small cell lung cancerFor this type of cancer, doctors typically use a 5-stage system.
Stages of small cell lung cancerDoctors generally categorize small cell lung cancer with one of two stages:
Some doctors use further staging for small cell lung cancer. Can a person have both types?Around 5–28% of small cell lung cancer cases are “mixed.” This means that the person has small and non-small cell lung cancers. Research suggests that it may be easier to treat mixed cancer than small cell lung cancer alone. After making a diagnosis, a doctor will describe the treatment options and develop a treatment plan. Factors that affect the plan will include:
As each person’s situation is different, treatment will vary accordingly. Non-small cell lung cancerTreatment options for non-small cell lung cancer include:
Small cell lung cancerFor small cell lung cancer, treatment mainly aims to manage the disease. Options include:
Doctors may use a combination of treatments for lung cancer, depending upon an individual’s needs, the stage of the cancer, and the location of the tumor. Experts use past statistics to estimate the percentage of people who are likely to live for 5 or more years after a diagnosis of cancer. These estimations are called survival rates. They represent averages and do not take into account factors such as a person’s age or overall health. Non-small cell lung cancerFor non-small cell lung cancer, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reports the following relative 5-year survival rates:
The overall average likelihood of living for at least another 5 years is 26%. Small cell lung cancerThe ACS estimates the following 5-year survival rates for people with small cell lung cancer:
The overall average likelihood of living for at least another 5 years after a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer is 7%. Other factors that may affect survival rates include whether the cancer has come back after treatment and a person’s age. Recurring cancer and advanced age can have a negative effect on survival rates. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. Small cell lung cancer is less common and more aggressive. Quitting smoking — or never smoking — can significantly reduce the risk of developing any type of lung cancer. Read this article in Spanish. What is the difference between carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma?Carcinomas are divided into two major subtypes: adenocarcinoma, which develops in an organ or gland, and squamous cell carcinoma, which originates in the squamous epithelium. Adenocarcinomas generally occur in mucus membranes and are first seen as a thickened plaque-like white mucosa.
What's the difference between small cell and nonThe main difference between SCLC and NSCLC is how aggressive they are. Another difference is how common they are. NSCLC is a less aggressive and more common form of lung cancer than SCLC.
Is squamous cell carcinoma a nonNSCLC is any type of epithelial lung cancer other than small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The most common types of NSCLC are squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, but there are several other types that occur less frequently, and all types can occur in unusual histologic variants.
Which is worse small or large cell lung cancer?Official answer. Generally, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is worse than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC accounts for about 10%-15% of people who have lung cancer and is the most aggressive form of lung cancer.
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