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Types of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Types of Small Cell Lung Cancer

 

Small cell lung cancer, a rapidly growing type of cancer, should necessarily be dealt with as soon as possible. Despite tremendous medical and technological advancements, there is still much to be learnt about this disease. No cure has yet been found for this form of cancer, making it important for you to do what you can to prevent it before it strikes.

Here are some of the significant facts pertaining to small cell lung cancer.

There are three main forms of small cell lung cancer, also known as SCLC:

Small cell carcinoma or oat cell cancer
Mixed small and large cell carcinoma
Combined small cell carcinoma

Risk Factors for SCLC

Men are at a higher risk of contracting lung cancer and men who smoke have even greater odds of developing this form of cancer. The risk of dying from small cell lung cancer is twenty times higher in individuals who smoke as compared to those who do not.

The other risk factors remain the same as other forms of lung cancer. Some of these risk factors would include a family history of any type of cancer or any sibling having had the disease as well as lifestyle factors such as alcohol. Admittedly you may be unable to change your genetic make-up, but much can be done to make improvements in your lifestyle.

Lowering the Risk

Here are a few changes you can make that would help you reduce the common risk factors for any type of cancer:

Giving up smoking is a major step towards the prevention of developing any type of lung cancer.
Increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits, especially the organic varieties, which helps boost the immune system.
Studies have indicated that lycopene, which is found in abundance in tomatoes, was responsible for reducing the risk of cancers of several types including lung cancer.
Given that almost 3000 people are estimated to die annually from inhalation of second hand smoke, staying away from smoke-filled enclosed areas could also be a factor in reducing the risk of lung cancer.

Physiology of SCLC

As the name suggests, small cell lung cancer starts out with tiny cells. These tiny cells however are capable of multiplying and spreading very rapidly. Because of the fast-spreading characteristic of the disease, patients who have small cell lung cancer are more prone to develop other forms of cancer as well. The fatality rate is very high if this disease spreads beyond the clavicle area.

But there is good news ahead in the form of Brachytherapy, an innovative technique wherein small radioactive glass “seeds” are inserted directly into the tumor itself. This procedure has the same success rate as other current treatment procedures.

But with no definite cure on the horizon, early detection, which helps retard the progress of the cancer is the best hope yet.

But there is good news ahead in the form of Brachytherapy, an innovative technique wherein small radioactive glass “seeds” are inserted directly into the tumor itself. This procedure has the same success rate as other current treatment procedures.

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