Single cell lung cancer, also known as Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), is an aggressive form of lung cancer that develops from cells lining the airways. It is characterized by rapid growth and a tendency to spread quickly throughout the body.
Understanding Single Cell Lung Cancer
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) accounts for about 13% to 15% of all lung cancer diagnoses. Its name comes from how the cancer cells appear under a microscope: they are typically small, round, or oval, and smaller than normal, healthy cells. These cells can also be spindle-shaped.
SCLC usually begins in the bronchi, the larger airways located in the center of the chest. It is also classified as a neuroendocrine tumor, meaning its cells originate from the neuroendocrine system.
Distinctive Features and Behavior
SCLC is notable for its aggressive growth rate and rapid cell division. The cancer cells multiply quickly, often leading to early metastasis, where the cancer spreads to distant parts of the body even before a diagnosis is made.
Common sites for this spread include the brain, liver, adrenal glands, and bones. SCLC is strongly associated with tobacco smoking, which is the leading risk factor for its development. Over 70% of patients with SCLC present with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis.
Diagnostic Approaches
Diagnosing SCLC typically begins with imaging techniques to locate any tumors and assess potential spread. Common initial imaging tests include chest X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans. An MRI scan of the brain is often performed to check for distant spread.
Following imaging, a biopsy is a crucial step for confirming the diagnosis. This involves taking a tissue sample, often through procedures like bronchoscopy or needle biopsy. A pathologist then examines the biopsy sample under a microscope to identify the characteristic “small cell” appearance, which is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment Strategies
Chemotherapy is a primary treatment for SCLC, frequently combined with radiation therapy, especially for limited-stage disease. Radiation therapy may also be used to manage symptoms or treat metastases, such as radiation to the brain to prevent or address cancer spread. For patients with limited-stage SCLC, surgery followed by chemotherapy, or chemoradiation therapy, can be an option if the cancer is found early and has not spread widely.
Newer treatments, like immunotherapy, are sometimes used in specific situations, often in combination with chemotherapy. Treatment plans for SCLC are tailored based on the disease stage, which is broadly categorized as limited-stage or extensive-stage. Limited-stage disease indicates the cancer is confined to one side of the chest, while extensive-stage means it has spread more widely.