Small Cell Lung Cancer
In contrast to non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer is generally divided only into two stages:
Limited-stage small cell lung cancer: Cancer is confined to a single side of the chest.
Extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: The cancer has spread beyond a single side of
the chest or to distant locations in the body.
American Cancer Society: About Staging
Treatment for small cell lung cancer generally involves chemotherapy and may also
include radiation therapy. Only a small proportion of patients with small cell lung cancer
are candidates for surgery. It is important for patients to remember that treatment is
determined by the stage and other specific characteristics of the cancer. Patients should
speak with their doctor to discuss the individual risks and benefits of each treatment
option.
|
