Small Cell Carcinomas: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Small cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that almost always effects the lungs. Small cell carcinoma is almost always caused by smoking, but exposure to large amounts of asbestos is also a risk factor. Small cell carcinoma usually effects men more than women and while not a common type of lung cancer, is considered very deadly. Unlike other types of cancer, small cell carcinoma is not staged on a numerical scale but rather as simply limited or extensive. Limited stage refers to cancer that is contained within the lungs or bronchial tubes only. Extensive stage indicates the cancer has spread to areas outside of the chest. Limited stage small cell carcinoma is rare because it is usually not diagnosed until it has become extensive. Symptoms of small cell carcinoma lung cancer are similar to other types of lung cancer and may include chronic coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, sputum production, and possibly weight loss. This new book gathers the latest research from around the globe on this disease.