Oncological pathologies are widespread throughout the world. Every year the number of cancer incidence is growing. This is due to the fact that at present, methods for diagnosing cancer pathologies have significantly improved. One of the most common forms is small cell lung cancer. Millions of people die every year from this disease in the world. The question of how much they live with lung cancer is very relevant. Doctors have been trying for a long time to find a cure for oncological pathologies. In modern times, oncologists have made great strides in this area. Such advances are mainly associated with early diagnosis of the disease. In addition, treatment methods are constantly being improved.
Types of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Like all cancers, lung cancer has a variety. The classification is based on the radiological forms and types of cells from which the tumor is formed. Depending on morphology, 2 types of oncological processes are distinguished. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common . It has a more favorable course. Small cell lung cancer is characterized by rapid metastasis. It occurs in more rare cases. Also, this disease can occur in localized (local) and common form.
Depending on where the tumor is located, the following types are distinguished:
- Central cancer. It is characterized by the fact that the tumor is located in large and segmental bronchi. Most often, this pathology is difficult to diagnose.
- Peripheral cancer. The oncological process develops in the lung tissue itself.
- Apical cancer. It also affects lung tissue. This variety is allocated in a separate group, as it differs in the clinical picture (it grows in the vessels of the shoulder girdle, neck).
- Abdominal lung cancer.
- Atypical and metastatic forms.
- Pneumonia is a type of tumor.
What kind of disease is small cell lung cancer?
This type of cancer occurs in 25% of cases. It is attributed to aggressive forms due to the rapid spread into the lymphatic system. If smokers are suspected of having cancer, the diagnosis is often small cell lung cancer. Life expectancy in this disease primarily depends on the stage of the process. The individual characteristics of the body and the tolerance of treatment also matter. The malignancy of this type of cancer is due to the fact that it arises from undifferentiated cells. Such a tumor seems to “seed” the pulmonary parenchyma over a large extent, as a result of which it is difficult to detect the primary focus.
Etiology of small cell cancer
Like any oncological pathology, small cell lung cancer does not occur just like that. Atypical cells begin to multiply due to several predisposing factors. The main cause of small cell cancer is smoking. There is also a relationship between morbidity and exposure to harmful substances (heavy metals, arsenic). The likelihood of developing cancer is increased in older people who have a high smoker index (tobacco abuse for many years). Predisposing factors include chronic lung diseases, including tuberculosis, COPD, obstructive bronchitis. The risk of developing small cell cancer is increased among people who have constant contact with dust particles. With a combination of factors such as smoking, chronic diseases and occupational hazards, the likelihood of a tumor is very high. In addition, the reasons for the development of cancer processes include a decrease in the body's immune defense and chronic stress.
Stage of small cell lung cancer
The question of how much they live with lung cancer can only be answered by knowing the stage of the disease. It depends on the size of the oncological process and the degree of spread to other organs. Like most tumors, lung cancer has 4 stages. In addition, there is also the initial phase of the disease. In another way it is called "precancer". This phase is characterized by the fact that small cell elements are located only on the inner lining of the lungs.
The first stage of cancer is characterized by a tumor size of up to 3 cm. However, the nearby lymph nodes are not damaged. Around the tumor process is healthy lung tissue.
Second stage. There is an increase in size (up to 7 cm). Lymph nodes remain intact. Nevertheless, the tumor grows in the pleura and bronchi.
Third stage. It is characterized by the large size of the oncological process. Cancer sprouts in the lymph nodes of the chest, vessels of the neck and mediastinum. Also, the tumor can spread to the tissue of the pericardium, trachea, esophagus.
The fourth stage is characterized by the appearance of metastases in other organs (liver, bones, brain).
The clinical picture of small cell lung cancer
The clinical manifestations of the disease depend on the stage of small cell lung cancer. At the initial stages, pathology is very difficult to diagnose, since the symptoms are practically absent. The first signs of cancer are observed in the second stage of the disease. These include: increased dyspnea, a change in the nature of cough (in patients with COPD), chest pain. In some cases, an impurity of blood in the sputum is noted. The changes that occur in the third stage depend on where the tumor has grown. When involved in the process of the heart, symptoms such as pain, arrhythmias, tachy- or bradycardia appear. If the tumor affects the pharynx and esophagus, there is a violation of swallowing, choking. The terminal stage is characterized by general weakness, swollen lymph nodes, low-grade fever and weight loss.
Small cell lung cancer: life expectancy with such a diagnosis
Unfortunately, this disease progresses very quickly. The life expectancy of patients depends on when exactly the terrible diagnosis was made - "small cell lung cancer." The prognosis of the disease is unfavorable. This is especially true for patients with stage 3 and 4 of the oncological process. In the initial forms, small cell cancer is also difficult to treat. Nevertheless, sometimes it is possible to achieve a delay in tumor growth. It is impossible to determine exactly how long the patient has to live. It depends on the human body and on the speed of cancer. Five-year survival with a small cell lung tumor is 5-10%.
Oncology Center (Moscow): cancer treatment
If the stage of the disease allows, then the cancer must be treated. Tumor removal and therapy will not only help prolong the patient's life, but also ease his suffering. For effective treatment, you should find a qualified specialist and a good cancer center. Moscow is considered one of the cities where medicine is developed at a very high level. In particular, this relates to oncology. New treatment methods are being developed here, and clinical trials are underway. There are several regional oncology clinics and hospitals in Moscow. The most significant centers are the Herzen and Blokhin Institute . These oncological dispensaries have the latest equipment for treatment, the best specialists of the country work. The experience of Moscow's research institutes is widely applied abroad.
Small cell lung cancer: treatment
Treatment of small cell lung cancer is carried out depending on the nature of growth, size and stage of the tumor process. The main method is chemotherapy. It allows you to slow down the growth of the tumor, increasing the life expectancy of the patient for months and years. Chemotherapy can be used at all stages of the oncological process, with the exception of the terminal phase. In this case, the patient's condition should be relatively satisfactory and not be accompanied by other severe pathologies. Small cell lung cancer may have a localized shape. In this case, chemotherapy is combined with surgical treatment and the radiation method.