Small cell carcinoma

Updated: 2024-03-29

Description

A type of lung cancer commonly caused by smoking.

Overview

Small cell carcinoma is a type of lung cancer that happens mostly in smokers. It begins when lung cells are damaged by the chemicals in tobacco smoke. The body may repair the damage at first. Over time, the lungs are increasingly damaged and eventually cancer may form.

Symptoms

Symptoms include a cough that doesn't go away, coughing up blood, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Treatments

Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.