Small-Cell Lung Cancer (cont.)
Medical Author:
Michael Perry, MD, FACP
Coauthor:
Shehnaz Shaikh, MD
Medical Editor:
Winston W Tan, MD
Medical Editor:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Shreekanth V Karwande, MBBS
IN THIS ARTICLE
OutlookThe success of treatment depends on the stage of small-cell lung cancer. In approximately 65-70% of persons with small-cell lung cancer, the disease has already spread to other organs of the body by the time small-cell lung cancer is diagnosed. Persons with small-cell lung cancer in the advanced stage cannot be cured. They usually survive less than 1 year. Treatment may be moderately successful for persons with limited-stage disease. However, even with limited-stage disease, the median survival time is less than 2 years. The overall 5-year survival rate for persons with small-cell lung cancer is less than 20%.Viewer Comments & ReviewsSmall-Cell Lung Cancer - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were your symptoms of small-cel lung cancer? |
Cancer
Get the latest treatment options.
From WebMD
Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
- Ask the Nutritionist: Weight Loss Tips
- Which Drugstore Tooth Whiteners Work Best?
- Gout: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Lung Cancer, Oat Cell (Small Cell) »
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is considered distinct from other lung cancers, called non–small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), because of their clinical and biologic characteristics.
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick,
easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including
24 hour
pharmacies
