Also known as: SCLC, Oat cell carcinoma, Oat cell cancer
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a rare, fast-growing cancer that requires immediate treatment. However, most cases of small cell lung cancer are not diagnosed until the condition has reached an advanced stage.
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Small cell lung cancer occurs when healthy cells in the lungs become cancerous and begin to multiply quickly. Clumps of these cancerous cells can form masses (tumours) in the lungs, which may then spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body – including the liver, brain and bones.
There are two main subtypes of small cell lung cancer:
Because this type of lung cancer can spread so quickly, early diagnosis is imperative for positive treatment outcomes.
In its early stages, small cell lung cancer rarely causes noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are often very similar to those of other types of lung cancer.
Common symptoms include:
It is important to note that these symptoms are common across different types of lung cancer and other conditions, so they do not necessarily indicate small cell lung cancer.
If it is diagnosed early, small cell lung cancer is typically identified through low-dose CT screening. This type of scan uses a much lower dose of radiation than a standard CT scan, meaning it can be performed regularly if you have a high risk of lung cancer – for example, if you have a history of smoking.
If you have not been diagnosed using a low-dose CT and you are experiencing symptoms of small cell lung cancer, your specialist may recommend one or more of the following tests:
No matter the stage of your condition, our multidisciplinary team of specialists will carefully review the findings to create a personalised treatment plan that’s built around your unique needs.
While small cell lung cancer can affect anyone, it occurs most commonly in people who have smoked, currently smoke or have been exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke.
That said, other factors can increase the risk of developing small cell lung cancer, including:
Experiencing symptoms of small cell lung cancer may indicate that the cancer has spread to other parts of your body, which is why it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible.
However, you may be able to identify small cell lung cancer before symptoms develop. Regular lung cancer screening can help identify small cell lung cancer in its early stages. Screening is particularly recommended if you have a history of smoking.
At The London Clinic Lung Centre, we offer a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan screening service to enable early detection and peace of mind.
Our lung centre brings together a wide range of specialities and collective experience to provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating lung conditions. Working collaboratively, our world-class teams deliver personalised care at every stage, ensuring each patient receives the highest standard of treatment in a supportive, streamlined environment.
Our specialists work at the forefront of modern lung diagnostics and treatments, helping deliver exceptional care for chest conditions.
Patient care is central to everything we do, with tailored treatment plans and support at every step.
Our multidisciplinary teams work as one to provide a seamless, stress-free experience from consultation to follow-up.
World-class consultants and advanced lung diagnostics, based in the heart of Harley Street.
There are a few key differences between small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer:
