Small Cell Lung Cancer (Carcinoma of the Lung)

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What is Small Cell Lung Cancer?

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Small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer.

Small cell lung cancer is thought to arise from neuroendocrine cells which form part of the epithelium (lining) of the bronchi (airways).

Who gets Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is common. One in every 28 Australians will develop lung cancer during their lifetime. Lung cancer is also deadly: it is the commonest cause of cancer death in Australia, accounting for around 23% of male and 15% of female cancer deaths.

Lung cancer is more than twice as common in men as in women.

Geographically, the tumour is found worldwide, but it is especially common in countries with high tobacco consumption.

Small cell carcinoma of the lung accounts for about 18% of all cases of lung cancer.

Predisposing Factors

Cigarette smoking is the main predisposing factor. In recent years, it has been recognised that passive smoking (e.g. from a first degree relative in a house of smokers) can also put people at risk. Generally, the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked. The link between cigarette smoking and small cell carcinoma is very strong.

Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing this tumour. The combination of asbestos exposure plus cigarette smoking is particularly harmful. Other occupational exposures such as exposure to metals including arsenic, chromium and nickel can also increase risk.

Some studies have suggested that diet can play a role in lung cancer risk. Though it is not known how it works, diets high in fruits and vegetables seem to decrease risk.

Radiation exposure damages the DNA material within the cells and can also cause lung cancer.

Radon (a radioactive gas) exposure from our normal surrounding environment, if higher than normal, can predispose to lung cancer. This evidence is mainly based upon population studies which show that people living in areas with a high radon content are prone to increased incidences of a variety of cancers.

Progression

Small cell lung cancers behave very differently from most other types of lung cancer (known as non-small cell lung cancers).

Small cell lung cancers are very aggressive. They grow quickly and spread via the bloodstream to the liver, lung, bones and brain. It is quite common for tumour deposits to be found in these organs at the time of diagnosis.

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