Oncological pathologies are widespread all over the world. The incidence of cancer is increasing every year. This is due to the fact that at present the methods of diagnosing oncological pathologies have improved significantly. One of the most common forms is small cell lung cancer. Millions of people die every year from this disease worldwide. The question of how long people live with lung cancer is very relevant. Doctors have been trying to find a cure for oncological pathologies for a long time. In modern times, oncologists have made great strides in this area. Such advances are mainly associated with early diagnosis of the disease. In addition, treatment methods are constantly being improved.
Types of small cell lung cancer
Like all cancers, lung cancer has varieties. The classification is based on the radiological forms and types of cells from which the tumor is formed. Depending on the morphology, 2 types of oncological processes are distinguished. More commonnon-small cell lung cancer. It has a more favorable course. Small cell lung cancer is characterized by rapid metastasis. Occurs on rarer occasions. Also, this disease can occur in a localized (local) and widespread form.
Depending on where exactly the tumor is located, the following types are distinguished:
- Central cancer. It is characterized by the fact that the tumor is located in large and segmental bronchi. Most often, this pathology is difficult to diagnose.
- Peripheral cancer. The oncological process develops in the lung tissue itself.
- Apical cancer. It also affects lung tissue. This variety is separated into a separate group, as it differs in the clinical picture (grows into the vessels of the shoulder girdle, neck).
- Cavity lung cancer.
- Atypical and metastatic forms.
- Pneumonia-like tumor.
What is small cell lung cancer?
This type of cancer occurs in 25% of cases. It is classified as an aggressive form due to its rapid spread to the lymphatic system. If oncological pathology is suspected in smokers, the diagnosis is often small cell lung cancer. Life expectancy in this disease primarily depends on the stage of the process. The individual characteristics of the organism and the tolerability of treatment also matter. The malignancy of this type of cancer is due to the fact that it arises from undifferentiated cells. Suchthe tumor seems to “seed” the lung parenchyma over a large extent, as a result of which it is difficult to detect the primary focus.
Etiology of small cell cancer
Like any oncological pathology, small cell lung cancer does not just happen. Atypical cells begin to multiply due to several predisposing factors. The main cause of small cell cancer is smoking. There is also a relationship between morbidity and exposure to harmful substances (heavy metals, arsenic). The likelihood of developing cancer is increased in older people who have a high smoker index (having used tobacco for many years). Predisposing factors include chronic lung diseases, including tuberculosis, COPD, obstructive bronchitis. The risk of developing small cell cancer is increased among people who have constant contact with dust particles. With a combination of factors such as smoking, chronic diseases and occupational hazards, the likelihood of a tumor is very high. In addition, the reasons for the development of oncological processes include a decrease in the body's immune defenses and chronic stress.
Staging of small cell lung cancer
The question of how long people live with lung cancer can only be answered by knowing the stage of the disease. It depends on the size of the oncological process and the degree of spread to other organs. Like most tumors, lung cancer has 4 stages. In addition, there is also the initial phase of the disease. In another way, it is called "precancer". This phasecharacterized by the fact that small cell elements are located only on the inner lining of the lungs.
The first stage of cancer is characterized by a tumor size of up to 3 cm. At the same time, nearby lymph nodes are not damaged. Around the tumor process is he althy lung tissue.
Second stage. There is an increase in size (up to 7 cm). Lymph nodes remain intact. Nevertheless, the tumor grows into the pleura and bronchi.
Third stage. It is characterized by the large size of the oncological process. Cancer grows into the lymph nodes of the chest, vessels of the neck and mediastinum. Also, the tumor can spread to the tissue of the pericardium, trachea, esophagus.
The fourth stage is characterized by the appearance of metastases in other organs (liver, bones, brain).
Clinical presentation of small cell lung cancer
Clinical manifestations of the disease depend on the stage of small cell lung cancer. At the initial stages, the pathology is very difficult to diagnose, since there are practically no symptoms. The first signs of cancer are observed in the second stage of the disease. These include: increased shortness of breath, a change in the nature of cough (in patients with COPD), chest pain. In some cases, the appearance of blood in the sputum is noted. The changes that occur in the third stage depend on where the tumor has grown. When the heart is involved in the process, symptoms such as pain, arrhythmias, tachycardia or bradycardia appear. If the tumor affects the pharynx and esophagus, there is a violationswallowing, choking. The terminal stage is characterized by general weakness, swollen lymph nodes, subfebrile temperature and weight loss.
Small cell lung cancer: life expectancy with this diagnosis
Unfortunately, this disease progresses very quickly. The life expectancy of patients depends on when exactly the terrible diagnosis was made - "small cell lung cancer". The prognosis of the disease is unfavorable. This is especially true for patients with stages 3 and 4 of the oncological process. In the initial forms, small cell carcinoma is also difficult to treat. Nevertheless, sometimes it is possible to achieve a delay in tumor growth. It is impossible to determine with accuracy how much time the patient has left to live. It depends on the human body and on the rate of cancer development. The five-year survival rate for small cell lung tumors is 5-10%.
Cancer Center (Moscow): cancer treatment
If the stage of the disease allows, then the cancer must be treated. Removal of the tumor and therapy will help not only prolong the life of the patient, but also alleviate his suffering. For effective treatment, you should find a qualified specialist and a good oncology center. Moscow is considered one of the cities where medicine is developed at a very high level. In particular, this applies to oncology. New methods of treatment are being developed here, clinical trials are being conducted. There are several regional oncological dispensaries and hospitals in Moscow. Mostsignificant centers are the Institute named after Herzen and Blokhin. These oncology dispensaries have the latest treatment equipment and the best specialists in the country. The experience of scientific institutes in Moscow is widely used abroad.
Small cell lung cancer treatment
Treatment of small cell lung cancer is carried out depending on the nature of growth, size and stage of the tumor process. The main method is chemotherapy. It allows you to slow down the growth of the tumor, increasing the life expectancy of the patient for months and years. Chemotherapy can be used at all stages of the oncological process, with the exception of the terminal phase. In this case, the patient's condition should be relatively satisfactory and not be accompanied by other severe pathologies. Small cell lung cancer may have a localized form. In this case, chemotherapy is combined with surgery and radiation.
