Small-Cell Lung Cancer (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Small-Cell Lung Cancer Overview
- Small-Cell Lung Cancer Causes
- Small-Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Therapy
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Multimedia
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Outlook
The 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%.Next: Support Groups and Counseling »
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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.
