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Symptoms Of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Early stage symptoms of SCLC include a cough that doesn't get better or worsens over time, coughing up blood, and difficulty breathing. Talk with a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the rarer of the two main types of lung cancer, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the more common type. SCLC is also the more aggressive cancer and classifies into two types, depending on the characteristics of the tumors.
While smoking is the leading cause of all types of lung cancer, the strongest link is between smoking and SCLC, according to the National Library of Medicine. As smoking rates have declined since the late 1980s, so have the incidence rates for SCLC.
This article discusses the common risk factors for SCLC and the early and late-stage symptoms.
SCLC typically classifies into two stages: limited stage and extensive stage.
According to a 2021 study, only about one third of people diagnosed with SCLC are in the earlier stage of disease — typically with a centrally located tumor in one lung and lymph node involvement. Most people who receive a diagnosis already have lung cancer that has metastasized.
That said, early symptoms of SCLC are usually respiratory, including:
Symptoms of extensive stage SCLC depend on the type of tumor and where it has metastasized. The most common areas for metastasis include:
In addition to the early stage respiratory symptoms, symptoms for extensive stage lung cancer include:
It's important to note that for most people diagnosed with SCLC, current treatments will not cure the cancer. However, numerous ongoing clinical trials are being conducted across the country for people with both stages of SCLC.
You can find more information about your treatment options on the NCI website.
Survival rates for SCLC depend on the stage, the tumor, and which areas of the body it affects.
The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), provides 5-year relative survival rates for all types of cancer for people living in the United States. SEER groups stages of cancer in the following way:
Here are the SEER 5-year relative survival rates based on people diagnosed with SCLC between 2012–2018.
SCLC is the less common of the two main types of lung cancer. Smoking at some point in your life is almost always the cause.
Early symptoms typically include:
Later symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and overall weakness.
In most cases, SCLC is not curable, but there are a number of clinical trials investigating promising new treatments.
It's important to remember that survival rates aren't the whole picture. Treatments are always advancing, and every person's health and health history is different.
People Urged To Try Simple 'finger Test' At Home For Early Signs Of Lung Cancer
This simple test reveals one of the few signs of the illness, which affects almost 40,000 people every year in the UK, and it can be carried out at home
A simple finger test can give people an early sign of lung cancer which they can do at home. Lung cancer can spread quicker than other forms of the disease, with nearly 40,000 people being diagnosed every year.
Often lung cancer symptoms often do not show up until after the cells have spread through the body. However, potential patients are able to spot a few early symptoms of the illness. Some of the common symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing and a persistent cough with blood or phlegm. While many of the symptoms tend to be respiratory, there is one early telltale sign of lung cancer that appears on your fingertips - here's what you need to know.
What is the early sign of lung cancer on fingertips?When you press your fingernails together, do you see a tiny diamond-shaped window of light? If you can't see this gap, you could have finger clubbing, which when the ends of your fingers swell up - and this could be a sign of lung cancer. The condition happens in stages, starting at the base of the nail, which becomes soft. Then the skin next to the nail bed become shiny, after which the nails begin to curve more than normal when looked at from the side.
Finally, the fingers may get larger and swell due to fluid collecting in the soft tissues of the fingers. While not having this diamond-shaped gap between fingernails doesn't automatically mean you have lung cancer, there is a possibility it's a symptom. So, the best course of action is to speak to your doctor if you spot it.
One lung cancer patient Brian Gemmell , whose only symptom of the disease was finger clubbing urges: "Go and see your doctor If you've got anything that you're concerned about – that's what a GP is for. Go as soon as you can.'" Early detection can help you get treatment earlier, with West Lancashire-based GP Dr Helen Piercy advising: "If you notice any signs or symptoms that concern you, see your GP.
"First phone for an appointment. You will be assessed. You will be invited in, if you need to be seen face-to-face. Don't be afraid. Pick up the phone." Lung cancer symptoms vary from person to person. Some people have numerous symptoms and others have none.
Common lung cancer symptoms to be aware include:A persistent cough that lasts three weeks or more
Breathlessness
Wheezing
Frequent chest infections
A cough that changes or gets worse
Chest and/or shoulder pain
Coughing up blood or blood in your phlegm
Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy
Hoarseness
Swelling in the face or neck.
These signs don't always mean you have lung cancer, but it's best to consult your GP if you have any of the above concerns.
Expert Explains About The Emerging Biomarkers For Lung Cancer Diagnosis And Prognosis
Lung cancer, a devastating disease that affects millions across the world. It is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to harmful substances. Smoking is the most significant risk factor, accounting for the majority of lung cancer cases. The carcinogens present in tobacco smoke damage the cells lining the lungs, leading to the development of cancerous tumours over time. However, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to exposure to passive smoke, air pollution, radon gas, asbestos, and other occupational hazards like certain chemicals and minerals.
According to a study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, lung cancer is a serious healthcare concern in India, accounting for 5.9 percent of all malignancies and 8.1 percent of all cancer-related fatalities.
In an interaction with Only My Health, Dr. Kapil Uttamrao Raut, MBBS, MD Medicine, DM Medical oncology, ECMO (UK) , Medical Oncology, HCG NCHRI Cancer Centre, Nagpur, explained why emerging biomarkers are important for lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Major Symptoms Of Lung CancerThe symptoms of lung cancer often manifest in the later stages of the disease, which makes early detection challenging. Common symptoms include:
Sometimes, lung cancer may cause symptoms outside the respiratory system, such as bone pain, headaches, and neurological issues if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Also read: Do Not Ignore Persistent Cough, It May Be A Sign Of Lung Cancer
How Doctors Diagnose Lung Cancer"Diagnosing lung cancer usually involves a combination of imaging tests, such as chest X-rays and CT scans, and tissue sampling through biopsies. The biopsy allows doctors to analyse the cells for cancerous growth and determine the cancer type and stage," said Dr Raut.
Also, other tests, like bronchoscopy, PET scans, and genetic testing, may be conducted to provide more information about the extent of the disease. The prognosis for lung cancer varies depending on the cancer type, stage at diagnosis, and the patient's overall health.
Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. However, many cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, making treatment more challenging. Advances in medical technology, personalised therapies, and targeted treatments have shown promising results, offering hope for improved outcomes for patients with lung cancer.
Here we are exploring exciting new possibilities in lung cancer, there diagnosis and prognosis - the realm of emerging biomarkers. These biomarkers hold the potential to transform lung cancer management, offering early detection, personalised treatment approaches, and better outcomes for patients.
Why Is The Need for Emerging Biomarkers?Conventional diagnostic methods for lung cancer, such as imaging and tissue biopsies, have been useful but not without limitations. Imaging techniques can spot lung nodules, but they might not always be accurate, leading to false positives and unnecessary invasive procedures.
Tissue biopsies, while reliable, can be challenging to obtain, especially in advanced cases or when the tumour is hard to reach. However, there's hope on the horizon with emerging biomarkers. These are measurable molecular indicators found in body fluids or tissues that reveal the presence or progression of cancer.
"Ongoing research has uncovered some promising biomarkers that offer a less invasive and more accurate alternative to traditional diagnostic approaches," Dr Raut stated.
The Promise of Liquid Biopsies"A revolutionary tool in cancer detection and monitoring is liquid biopsies. By analysing circulating tumour components in blood or other body fluids, liquid biopsies can provide real-time information on cancer status, allowing for early detection and monitoring of treatment response. One of the most promising types of emerging biomarkers for lung cancer is circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA)",Dr explained.
When cancer cells die, they release DNA into the bloodstream, and ctDNA can be detected and analysed to identify specific genetic changes associated with lung cancer. This approach has shown encouraging results in detecting early-stage lung cancer and tracking treatment response, allowing doctors to adjust therapies as needed.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. They have been linked to various diseases, including cancer. In lung cancer, specific miRNAs have shown potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Also read: Lung Cancer Takes 1.8 Million Lives Annually, Expert Suggests Prevention Tips
Researchers have identified miRNA signatures associated with different lung cancer subtypes and stages. These miRNA profiles could be used to create more accurate and personalised diagnostic tools. Furthermore, miRNAs might serve as indicators of treatment response and disease progression, helping doctors tailor therapies for individual patients to achieve better outcomes.
The Immune System and Immunotherapy BiomarkersImmunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, and lung cancer has benefited from these advances. However, not all patients respond equally to immunotherapy, emphasising the need for predictive biomarkers that can identify likely responders.
Several emerging biomarkers are being studied for their potential to predict immunotherapy response. Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression have shown promise in guiding treatment decisions. Additionally, the tumour mutational burden (TMB) - the number of mutations in a tumour's DNA - has emerged as a potential predictor of immunotherapy response. These biomarkers could help identify patients who are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy, sparing others from potential side effects and enabling alternative treatment strategies.
Dr Raut concluded by stating that the future of lung cancer management lies in harnessing the potential of emerging biomarkers. With ongoing research, collaboration between scientists, and advancements in technology, we are moving closer to a new era of personalised lung cancer care. Early detection through liquid biopsies, tailored treatments based on miRNA signatures, and improved immunotherapy selection could soon become a reality, offering new hope to patients and their families in the fight against lung cancer.
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