What is Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Small Cell Lung Cancer is one of the less lung cancer common types for around 20% of all diagnoses. Actually, there are two main types of lung cancer; Small Cell Lung Cancer or SCLC and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or NSCLC. Often times it is nicknamed oat cell carcinoma due to the oat like appearance of the small cells of the lungs.

The develop of Small Cell Lung Cancer occur when these small cells start to grow in uncontrollable way and rapid, which eventually become cancerous or malignant. Unfortunately, with the five year survival rate being less than 20%, the outlook for people who contract Small Cell Lung Cancer is bleak.

In earlier stage small cell lung cancer, we can detect from few symptoms that may happen. This also become small cell lung cancer prognosis if we found these symptoms. There are three of the most common symptoms of Small Cell Lung Cancer:

1. A persistent cough. It could be a sign of Small Cell Lung Cancer, if you notice that you have a cough that does not seem to go away. Some coughs can even cause pain, while other coughs result in blood and phlegm coming up. If you notice any type of persistent cough, you should inform your doctor and if any blood or phlegm comes up you should inform them right away. Some cough may be down to something much less serious, but it may also be an early warning sign of Small Cell Lung Cancer.

2. Breathlessness. Another potential Small Cell Lung Cancer Symptom is feeling breathless for no apparent reason. This can often lead to you lacking in energy and feeling tired whilst doing every day tasks such as walking down the street. Regardless of whether the breathlessness comes on suddenly or gradually it should be treated with suspicion. Just go see your doctor and explain your concerns if you notice yourself becoming short of breath for no logical reason. They will then be able to determine if it is linked to Small Cell Lung Cancer identify the cause of the breathlessness.

3. Chest Pain. This is a very serious symptom which is linked with a number of conditions including Small Cell Lung Cancer. May be the chest pain caused by coughing or deep breathing. You may also experience spontaneous or constant chest pain. You should go see your doctor right away and any type of chest pain should be treated with extreme caution. Your doctor will be able to perform a number of tests to identify the cause.

Usually, many of the Small Cell Lung Cancer symptoms are linked to the chest. They do usually act as early warning signs, although the above symptoms are not exclusive to Small Cell Lung Cancer. This type of cancer is much more treatable in the early stages so it makes sense to act on any potential symptoms early and go see your doctor.

Tips for Preventing Small Cell Lung Cancer

However, to reduce your chances of developing this Small Cell Lung Cancer disease, there are a number of things you can do:

1. Quit smoking. It has been scientifically proven that smoking to cause a number of cancers. It is most strongly linked with lung cancers. The reason is that cigarettes contain over 70 carcinogens, chemicals that are known to cause cancer. These carcinogens go straight to your lungs every time you inhale the smoke from a cigarette. This greatly increasing the chance of cancerous growths in the small cells of your lungs.

2. Avoid other harmful substances. Although by far smoking is the most significant risk factor for Small Cell Lung Cancer, there are still a number of other chemicals that have been linked with this condition. Uranium, radon and asbestos are all thought to increase your likelihood of contracting Small Cell Lung Cancer. These substances when combined with smoking are thought to be an even more significant risk of Small Cell Lung Cancer.

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Although the research is not conclusive, a number of studies have suggested that fruits and vegetables can help prevent from Small Cell Lung Cancer. Because they are rich in flavenoids, anti-oxidants and vital vitamins. All these ingredients work together to prevent cellular damage which reduces the chances of the cells becoming malignant or cancerous.

However, the survival rate for this type of cancer is low. You can have a large influence over how likely you are to contract Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Other articles you might like;

• Pharyngeal Cancer
• Tongue Cancer
• Inflammatory Cancer
• Cancer Biomarker
• Cancer Stem Cell

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1. Small Cell Lung Cancer
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5. Lung Cancer Symptoms

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