Small Cell Lung Cancer Staging

Uncontrolled cell growth in the lungs is known as lung cancer. Lung cancers are classified into two types of cancers; small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. These cancers are classified according to the histological examinations of the cells under a microscope.

What is Lung Cancer Staging?
Staging helps a doctor understand the extent at which the cancer has spread. It also helps diagnose the size of tumor, the location of the tumor in lymph nodes and if the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body. Based on the staging, the doctor decides the treatment that will help control the spread of cancer.

Cancer is usually grouped into 4 stages, that is, stage 1 to stage 4. Stage 1 indicates the initial spread of cancer and stage 4 is the last stage. There are different number systems used called TNM (tumor, nodes and metastasis) staging system. This helps show the size of tumor, spread to lymph nodes and if the tumor has metastasized to other parts. However, in case of small cell lung cancer staging, a different system is used.

Stages
Unlike the other lung cancers, like non small cell lung cancer stages, small cell lung cancer stages are divided into just two stages. The reason for this staging is that this cancer can very quickly spread outside the lung. Even the cancer is not seen spreading in a scan, it can happen that the cancer cells may have broken off from the lungs and spread to other parts through the blood stream or lymph system. Thus, the small cell lung cancer treatment is generally carried out as if the cancer has already spread to other organs. This is irrespective of any secondary cancer observed or not observed. Small cell lung cancer is grouped into limited small cell lung cancer and extensive small cell lung cancer.

Limited Stage
The limited small cell lung cancer stage means that the cancer is present only in one lung or lymph nodes present on the same side of the chest. There is no pleural effusion observed. The symptoms of limited stage include:

• Persistent cough with or without blood
• Recurrent lung infections
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive sputum
• Weight loss
• Hoarseness
• Swelling on face and arms
• Fatigue

The treatment of limited stage includes combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Extended Stage
Extended small cell lung cancer stage indicates that the cancer has spread to both lungs or lymph nodes on the other side of the chest. The cancer may also have metastasized to other organs of the body. Extensive stage also may be considered when the cancer spreads to the fluids around the lungs. The signs and symptoms of extended stage are similar to limited small cell lung cancer stage. When the cancer has metastasized to other organs, the symptoms may include:

• Severe headache
• Double vision
• Chest pain
• Neck pain
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss

The cancer treatment for extended stage also includes combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Recurrent Stage
Recurrent small cell lung cancer is that stage that occurs when the cancer reappears after treatment. The recurrent small cell lung cancer prognosis in this case is very poor as the survival rate in this case is very low as well.

Prognosis
Small cell lung cancer prognosis depends on stage of cancer, that is, is it still present in the chest cavity or has spread in the body. It may also depend on blood lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels as this substance helps determine the presence of cancer when in high levels. The age, gender and overall health of the patient also determine the small cell lung cancer prognosis. The prognosis over 2 years for limited small cell lung cancer is about 20% and in case of extensive is 5%. The life expectancy for recurrent small cell lung cancer is about 2 to 3 months only.

This was some information related to small cell lung cancer staging and prognosis. The way the cancer progresses in an individual depends on the spread of cancer. Treatment can help prolong the survival rate that extends small cell lung cancer life expectancy to 6 to 12 months. Small cell lung cancer is very dangerous and most often, a fatal disease. One should avoid smoking as well as passive smoke to prevent this cancer. If you have any further doubts, you should speak to your health care provider for more details.