A tool for biomarker testing that can sequence (analyze) large amounts of genes quickly and accurately to see if there are any mutations or changes in cells
Gives a detailed view of the body to see the areas affected by cancer
A method of brain radiation that uses a very low dose of radiation on the entire brain to treat cancer that is too small to be seen
A type of surgery in which a small wedge-shaped piece of the lung is removed
Includes blood vessels, arteries, veins, and capillaries
Describes either the outer edge of the nodule or tumor or the outer edges of a section of tissue after surgery
A part of cancer diagnosis that describes how similar or different cancer cells look to healthy cells
A type of lung cancer that begins as NSCLC and then later changes or transforms into SCLC
A type of clinical trial that finds new drugs, treatments, and procedures to treat lung cancer
The tube that brings air from the mouth into the lungs
A method of maintaining the use of chemotherapy but using one that is different from the one used in the first line of treatment
Section of tissue removed by biopsy or surgery
A type of biopsy used for diagnosing lung cancer that uses a thin needle to remove fluid that may have gathered in the chest or outside of the lungs
A lobe or section of the brain that controls memory, speech, and hearing
A type of cancer treatment given by a pill or through a vein that works by attacking a “target” on cancer cells called a biomarker
Types of cancer treatment that work through the whole body at the same time
A type of clinical trial that finds new treatments to decrease the symptoms and side effects of lung cancer
"A health effect that cannot be seen by someone else but must be described by the person; for example, a headache is a symptom"
A type of radiation treatment that treats one small part of the brain or body with a very high dose of radiation using many small radiation beams
Make up the connective tissue of a gland or organ
A test that examines one or a small set of cancer-related genes
Used to color tissue to help pathologists better see and examine cells
Precancerous lesion (or spot) that may lead to squamous cell carcinoma
One of the most common types of NCSLC
A health professional who is highly trained in one special area of medicine
A nurse who is highly trained in one special area of medicine
A doctor who is highly trained in one special area of medicine
"A health effect that can be seen by someone else; for example, a rash is a sign"
A piece of the lung is removed that is larger than a wedge resection but smaller than an entire lobe
An unwanted effect of a drug or treatment
Making an appointment with a different cancer specialist to hear what that person feels is the best treatment for you
Treatment that is given when the initial treatment (first-line therapy ) is no longer working or stopped for other reasons
A type of clinical trial that develops new and better ways to detect lung cancer
Tests (such as an x-ray, CT, MRI, PET) that give a detailed picture of the body to see the areas affected by cancer
A type of cancer that begins in the tissues all over the body and can also be found in the lung
A type of bronchoscopy that uses a robotic controller, like a video game, to guide a small tube through the mouth and into the hard-to- reach areas of the lung
Something that increases the chance of a disease occurring such as being exposed to a toxin
A substance that puts out a very small amount of radiation that cancer cells absorb and makes them easier to see with some scans
A type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-ray beams to kill tumors
A blood clot that travels through the bloodstream into the lung
A type of brain radiation treatment is sometimes used to decrease the risk of cancer spreading to the brain
The first tumor where cancer began to grow
A type of clinical trial that explores how to prevent lung cancer
A type of surgery where the entire lung is removed
Cancer cells are found at the edge of the tissue, suggesting that all of the cancer has not been removed
An infection that can cause fluid or pus in the lung(s)
Intravenous line (IV): Soft, flexible tube placed inside a vein to take out blood or fluid or to give medicine or fluid
A treatment for pleural effusion that seals the lung to the lining to stop fluid from collecting
A diagnosis of fluid collecting in the tissue layers that surround the lungs
Space between the lining of the lungs
Lining that surrounds the lungs
Able to change shape or form
Tiny fragments of cells in the blood that clot and help stop bleeding
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing disease by examining tissue or body fluids
A lobe or section of the brain that processes our body’s senses
Make up the functioning tissue of a gland or organ
A group of services that help to prevent and/or relieve the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment with the goal to improve quality of life
A group of symptoms that occur as a result of cancer but are not directly related to the cancer cells and often involve the hormone system and/or neurological system
Immunochemistry marker that gives information about how aggressive cancer is and may help predict response to certain treatments
A lobe or section of the brain that allows us to understand what we see
A feeling of numbness or tingling pain, usually in the hands and/or feet
A cancer treatment that is given before surgery
Abnormal cell growth that can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer)
No cancer cells are found at the edges of the tissue, suggesting that all of the cancer has been removed
Cell death from injury, toxins, or infections
A change or damage that happens inside a cell that makes it unhealthy
Filled with mucus-like material (see also non-mucinous)
Uses a series of small incisions to allow insertion of a video camera and small instruments for removing cancerous tissue
A term that means cancer has spread from its initial spot to other organs
A diagnostic test that uses a tube with a camera, called a mediascope, to see inside the chest and around the outside of the lungs
A type of cancer that affects the lung
A term that means cancer
Groups of small pea-sized lymph nodes that clean the waste out of the fluid that passes through them
Spread of cancer to the blood vessels and/or lymphatic system
A type of surgery that removes several lymph nodes around a tumor to see if cancer cells are inside of them
Pea-sized part of the body’s lymph system whose job it is to clean the waste out of the fluid that passes through them
A buildup of fluid that causes swelling and can occur if you’ve had surgery and lymph nodes were removed
Cancer cells look a lot like normal cells and tend to grow and spread slower
Cancer treatments that remove or destroy cancer in a small area of the body
Cancer cells that look a lot like normal cells and tend to grow and spread slowly
A type of surgery that removes an entire lobe of the lung
Sections of the lung
Written instructions that inform family and healthcare team members what treatments you want and don’t want when end-of-life is near
A method of biopsy or biomarker testing that uses a blood sample rather than a tissue sample from a tumor to examine cancer cells
Cancer has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it started and is growing into surrounding areas of tissue
One of the 3 most common types of NSCLC
The practice of using usual treatments along with complementary therapies
A group of people who make sure a clinical trial is safe and is being managed properly
Abnormal cells are found only in the place where they first formed and have not spread
The inability to conceive
The process of learning the details about a clinical trial to help you decide if you would like to join the study
The system within the body that recognizes and fights foreign cells and disease.
A type of cancer treatment that helps the body’s own immune system fight cancer
Increased cell production in normal tissue or an organ, which can be a sign of changes that happen before cancer develops
A group of services that are provided when an illness cannot be cured
Structure of the cells under the microscope
Cancer cells look very different than normal cells and tend to grow and spread faster
A protein in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen to other tissues in the body High-grade cancer: Cancer cells that look a lot different than normal cells and tend to grow and spread quickly
Inflammation in tissue, usually due to infection
A person you choose to make healthcare choices for you if you are not able to make them for yourself
A part of a cell that helps make the structure and function of the body
A lobe or section of the brain that controls our emotions and skills such as intelligence, reasoning, behavior, memory, sexual urges, and personality and helps with talking
The first treatment given for a disease or condition
A biopsy procedure that uses a small needle to remove cells from the tumor or area where cancer may be located to help with diagnosis
Surgery to remove
tube that carries food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach
An injection in the back to control pain
Cells in the body that put out hormones
A type of bronchoscopy test that uses electromagnetic energy and tiny instruments to steer a small tube through the mouth and into the lungs
A type of bronchoscopy test that uses a robotic controller, like a video game, that makes it easy to guide a small tube through the mouth and into the lungs into hard-to-reach areas
When 2 genes inside a cell stick together and create a new cancer-causing gene
The presence of abnormal (atypical) cells
A decision in writing that tells your healthcare team and family of your choices about getting help with restarting the heart if end-of-life is near
A “map” inside our cells that tells the cells what to do
A decision in writing that tells your healthcare team and family of your choices about getting help with breathing if end-of-life is near
How close the cancer cells look to normal cells
A blood clot that forms in a deep vein of the leg
A type of clinical trial that develops better tests for diagnosing lung cancer
When the body loses too much water and other fluids that it needs to work normally
The study of a single cell or small group of cells
An opening in the skull made during surgery to reach the brain
A biopsy procedure that uses a needle to remove a small piece of tissue from the tumor or area where cancer may be located
Infrequent bowel movements that are hard, dry, and/or not easy to pass
A method of using chemotherapy that continues using at least one of the drugs that were received during the first line of treatment
A test that uses cancer tissue or a blood sample (liquid biopsy) to look for all known mutations or changes in cancer cells at one time
A blood test that measures many types of blood cells
Treatments or therapies used along with usual cancer treatments and can include a mind-body approach or diet supplements
Two or more cancer treatments given at the same time
A combination of chemotherapy drugs that make up a treatment
Research studies that test a new drug or blend of drugs, procedure, or medical device to find our if it is safe and effective
A type of immunotherapy that works by blocking the immune cells from attaching to cancer cells
A type of cancer treatment that kills fast-growing and dividing cells
An area of the brain that helps our muscles work together so that we move smoothly
The number, size, and shape of the cells and how they look
The tiniest basic building blocks that make up your body
The number of cells in a sample
Cancer that begins in tissues that line or cover organs in the body
A type of cancer that can affect the lung that usually begins in the endocrine (hormone) cells and grows slowly
Medical term used to describe ongoing weight loss, muscle wasting, loss of appetite, and extreme fatigue (tiredness) that sometimes occurs in people with late-stage cancer
A procedure that places a flexible tube through the nose or mouth and into the tubes of the lungs to help diagnose lung cancer
Smaller air tubes that branch off from the larger air tubes (bronchi) inside each lung
The 2 main air tubes that branch off from the windpipe (trachea) and enter each lung
An imaging test that checks for cancer spread to the bones
Tissue inside the bone where blood cells are made
A test that looks for the type of changes or mutations inside cancer cells for the purpose of finding the best treatment
Protective barrier or “shield” that stops some substances from going into brain tissue
Mutations or changes inside cancer cells that make them different from healthy cells
A test or procedure that confirms cancer is or is not present and shows the exact type of cancer
A type of care meant for people who are grieving that can help identify feelings and work through emotions
A term that means not cancer
A type of bronchoscopy that uses a special light to make cancer or pre-cancer tissue appear in a different color than other tissue
Pre-cancerous lesion (or spot)
Not normal
Protein made by the immune system when foreign substances are found in the body
Cancer has spread to the lymph vessels or blood vessels
One of the most common types of non-small cell lung cancer
Treatments or therapies used instead of the usual, recommended treatment your cancer center offers
A formal, written plan that lets others know your future choices for healthcare and end-of-life care
Tiny air sacs at the end of each of the smallest air tubes in the lungs that bring oxygen into the bloodstream
A cancer treatment that is given after surgery
The type of lung cancer is a factor your healthcare team will consider when developing the best treatment approach. Understanding the specific type of lung cancer you are being treated for empowers you to have informed conversations and be an active member of your team.
SCLC affects men more than women, and smoking is the largest risk factor. In people who have never smoked, it tends to occur to those with family members diagnosed with SCLC.
In rare cases, NSCLC cells change into SCLC. When this happens, it’s called transformed small cell lung cancer (tSCLC). Researchers are studying to see why this type of change happens in some people and not others. This data will help researchers understand what causes tSCLC, which can lead to more treatment options.
It is important to know lung cancer’s signs and symptoms. A sign is something that can be seen or heard by someone else; for example, wheezing is a sign. A symptom is something that cannot be seen by someone else but must be described by the person; for example, a headache is a symptom. Early lung cancer may not have any signs or symptoms. As lung cancer progresses, signs and symptoms may develop.
Possible signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:
Other diseases and conditions can cause these signs and symptoms and may not be lung cancer. However, you should visit your healthcare team right away if you have many of these signs and symptoms.
Small cell lung cancer grows from neuroendocrine cells, which are found in the lungs and throughout the body. These cells make hormones and signal other nerve cells to act. In rare cases, cancers growing from these cells become very active and cause paraneoplastic syndromes.
Paraneoplastic syndromes are a group of symptoms that happen when SCLC cells release hormones or send signals to the nervous system, which affects the way your nerves and organs work. The exact symptoms of paraneoplastic syndrome depend on what hormone the cells release or how the nerve cells are affected. Symptoms can begin before SCLC is diagnosed or after it is diagnosed. If you notice any unusual symptoms, always tell your healthcare team. They can often be treated, which will reduce the symptoms coming from paraneoplastic syndrome and, therefore, help you feel better.
Diagnosing small cell lung cancer involves several steps and types of tests to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage.
Common diagnostic tests include:
Your healthcare team will likely start with scans to get pictures of your lungs.
Based on the results of your scans, liquid or tissue samples may be taken and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This process is called a biopsy and it confirms whether cancer cells are present and determines the specific type.
Stages of lung cancer are used to describe the size of the primary tumor (the first tumor) and where cancer may have spread, including lymph nodes or other organs. Understanding the stage of lung cancer is very important because it helps guide your healthcare team toward the best treatment options for you.
Your healthcare team uses multiple tests, including your scans and biopsy results, to determine the stage. The most common staging system uses a number (1, 2, 3, or 4) or a number with a letter (1A, 1B, etc.) to describe the stage.
SCLC is sometimes staged using a number or a number and a letter combined, but it’s most often divided into 2 broad stages:
Small cell lung cancer treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these, along with palliative care and clinical trials.
Once detailed information is gathered from your biopsy and other medical tests, your healthcare team will discuss treatment options with you.
Examples of information used to determine your best treatment plan include:
Treatment options for limited stage and extensive stage SCLC may include 1 or more of the following:
Small cell lung cancer is a fast-growing type of lung cancer that has a higher risk of spreading to the brain. When that occurs, it’s called brain metastasis or brain mets. A member of your healthcare team may discuss this risk, your choices for managing this risk, and your options for treating brain mets if they occur.
One option to manage the risk of brain mets may include a treatment called prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). PCI is a low-dose radiation treatment given to the whole brain. Its purpose is to destroy SCLC cells that are too small to be seen on MRI scans. However, PCI does come with risks of side effects that can significantly affect quality of life. Discuss the benefits and risks of PCI with your healthcare team and decide whether PCI is right for you. Such decisions can be difficult and are best made by weighing the facts with your healthcare team, thinking through your own viewpoints and treatment goals, and/or talking with loved ones.
Learn more about PCI, its risks and benefits, and questions for your healthcare team in our booklet, “Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI) and Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Decisionmaking Tool.”
For every 100 people diagnosed with NSCLC, 10 will be diagnosed with large cell carcinoma, 25 with squamous cell carcinoma, 40 with adenocarcinoma, and the remaining with other less common types.
There’s no right way or wrong way to cope with lung cancer—and no one else can tell you how you should feel or react. Different people cope with a lung cancer diagnosis in different ways. Some people seek out all the information they can find. Others prefer to get their information from a few select sources. Some people seek emotional support, while others turn inward. You may also have practical matters to manage, including insurance coverage, access to care, and financial issues.
As you begin to move forward after your diagnosis, remember that you are not alone. Talk to your healthcare team about resources.
The questions you ask your healthcare team can play a vital role in understanding and managing your diagnosis. If you are newly diagnosed with SCLC, some examples of questions you may want to ask include:
What is my stage of lung cancer and what does that mean for me?
Has cancer spread to other parts of my body? Which parts?
Will I need more tests before deciding what treatments are best for me?
How does the type of cancer I have affect my treatment options?
Should I seek a second opinion?
As you learn more about SCLC and your treatment options, it’s important to ask questions so you can stay informed and play an active role in decision-making. Review a full list of questions to ask your healthcare team to help you prepare for visits.
Lung cancer resources and support groups
Support options and resources include:
If you or a loved one have a SCLC diagnosis, use your voice to help us better understand your specific needs by completing this short survey.
Where can I find more resources and support?
Contact the GO2 HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 or email support@go2.org to connect with caring and highly trained staff who listen, answer your questions, and provide support. We offer many free programs and educational resources to meet your needs.
Why is surgery rarely used for small cell lung cancer?
Surgery is typically not an option for small cell lung cancer because of how quickly it spreads. By the time it is diagnosed, it has often spread outside of the lungs. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy are commonly used to treat SCLC.
What is palliative care and how could it help me?
Palliative care specialists help to prevent and ease the symptoms and side effects of lung cancer and its treatments. They work very closely with members of your healthcare team to:
Studies show that people with lung cancer who begin ongoing palliative care early in their treatment have an improved quality of life and may live longer.
How can I find a clinical trial for small cell lung cancer?
There are a few ways to find a clinical trial that may be right for you.
What are the most common parts of the body that small cell lung cancer spreads to?
Small cell lung cancer tends to spread to the lymph nodes, bones, adrenal glands, liver, and brain. When lung cancer spreads outside of the lungs to other areas of the body, this is called metastasis or mets. Treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or radiation therapy are commonly used to treat mets in the body.
What causes small cell lung cancer:
The causes of lung cancer continue to be studied. Small cell lung cancer is most closely tied to a history of smoking. However, not everyone diagnosed with small cell lung cancer has a smoking history.
Why should I think about getting a second opinion?
Seeking a second opinion allows you to be more informed of your options. You can get a second opinion from the time you are diagnosed through treatment and survivorship. Reasons to think about getting a second opinion may include: