Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small Cell Lung Cancer

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnostics
  • Treatments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is small cell lung cancer?

    Small cell is a type of lung cancer that happens when abnormal cells grow out of control in the lungs. The cells form tumors and invade nearby tissue. The cancer usually starts in the breathing (bronchial) tubes in the lungs. Small cell lung cancer grows fast and can spread quickly.

    About 10% to 15% of all lung cancers are small cell lung cancer (SCLC), named for the size of the cancer cells when seen under a microscope. Other names for SCLC are oat cell cancer, oat cell carcinoma, and small cell undifferentiated carcinoma. It is very rare for someone who has never smoked to have small cell lung cancer.

    Appointment Information


    The Lung Cancer Program evaluates and treats patients with known or suspected lung tumors and severe emphysema.  Each week, a team of thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists and other experts reviews each patient's case and provides a personalized treatment plan.

    If you've been diagnosed with lung cancer, or suspect you may have it, please call 734-647-8902.

    If you're referring a patient, please contact M-Line 800-962-3555.

    For people with questions, please call our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.

    What are the symptoms of small cell lung cancer?

    The first signs of early small cell lung cancer may include coughing, chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath, and fatigue. There may also be blood in the mucus that was coughed up. The symptoms of later stages can include swelling of the face. They also include hoarseness, trouble swallowing, and weight loss.

    How is small cell lung cancer diagnosed?

    A biopsy and chest X-rays are used to diagnose small cell lung cancer. You may have a CT scan and other tests. Your doctor will also do a physical exam. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, your past health, if you smoke or have smoked, and any family history of cancer.

    How is small cell lung cancer treated?

    Treatment for small cell lung cancer is based on the stage of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health. This cancer has two stages: limited stage and extensive stage. The main treatments for both stages are:

    Chemotherapy.
    These medicines kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells and some normal cells. Chemotherapy and radiation may be given together. (This is called chemoradiation.)
    Radiation therapy.
    This uses high-dose X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may help prevent or treat the spread of cancer to the brain.
    Immunotherapy.
    This treatment helps your immune system fight cancer. It may be given along with chemotherapy.

    Sometimes other treatments are used, such as laser therapy or surgery. In some cases, a clinical trial may be a good choice.

    Your doctor will talk with you about your options and then make a treatment plan.
    Christie Byrne and Kim Zapor Cancer AnswerLine nurses

    Questions about cancer?

    Contact our Cancer AnswerLine™ at 800-865-1125. You'll talk to a nurse with years of experience in cancer care.

    Learn More

    Locations
    • Thoracic Oncology Clinic | Rogel Cancer Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor B1 Reception E
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5912       Get Directions
    • Thoracic Surgery Clinic | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor 2 Reception C
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5344       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Andrew Ching-Hung Chang, MD

    Andrew Ching-Hung Chang, MD

    Professor

    Thoracic Surgery, Surgery

    Michigan Photo

    Aleksandar Filip Dragovic, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Radiation Oncology

    labcoat

    Peggy Ping Hsu, MD, PhD

    Clinical Instructor

    Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine

    Shruti Jolly, MD

    Shruti Jolly, MD, MBA

    Clinical Professor

    Radiation Oncology

    Gregory Peter Kalemkerian, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine

    Kiran Hari Lagisetty, MD

    Kiran Hari Lagisetty, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Thoracic Surgery, Surgery

    Jules Lin, MD

    Professor

    Thoracic Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, Surgery

    William Robert Lynch, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Thoracic Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, Surgery

    Arathi Mohan, MD

    Arathi Mohan, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine

    David Duston Odell, MD

    David Duston Odell, MD

    Professor

    Thoracic Surgery, Surgery

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