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
Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
Medical Treatment
The most effective treatment for small-cell lung cancer is chemotherapy (using medications to kill cancer cells), either alone or in combination with radiation therapy (using high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells).
The selection of the chemotherapy drug or combination of drugs depends on the stage of the cancer (limited or extensive stage).
Next: Medications »
Cancer
Get the latest treatment options.
From WebMD
Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Also on eMedicineHealth
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
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.

