Living with Small cell lung carcinoma
A fast-growing type of lung cancer, most often found in older adults with long-term tobacco exposure.
Understanding Small cell lung carcinoma
It accounts for 10 to 15 percent of lung cancer cases. It usually appears as a large mass in the center of the chest. It can also cause problems with the nervous and endocrine (hormone) systems. It is most common in older people with a history of long-term tobacco exposure.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list for this condition. Based on its summary, symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Hoarseness
- Coughing up blood
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer and Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it is most commonly found in older people with a history of long-term tobacco exposure. It doesn't list a gene.
Also known as: lung oat cell carcinoma; lung small cell carcinoma; lung small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma; oat cell carcinoma of lung; oat cell carcinoma of the lung; oat cell lung cancer
Patient organizations
- GO2 Foundation for Lung CancerSmall cell lung carcinoma · United States
- Neuroendocrine Tumor Research FoundationSmall cell lung carcinoma · United States
- American Cancer SocietySmall cell lung carcinoma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Small cell lung carcinoma.
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