Small Cell Lung Cancer Information
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What Is Small Cell Lung Cancer?
The lungs, which lie above the diaphragm and under the rib cage, make up one of the largest organs in the body. When you breathe your lungs take carbon dioxide from the bloodstream and exchange it for oxygen. Infections and diseases, including cancer, interfere with this vital process and can make breathing harder.
Lung cancer is the second-most diagnosed form of cancer among both men and women. Smoking significantly increases a person’s chance of developing the disease.
According to the National Cancer Institute, one out of every 14 Americans will be diagnosed with lung or airway cancer in their lifetime. In 2008, there were more than 215,000 new cases of lung cancer.
Small cell lung cancer, which is often referred to as "oat cell" lung cancer because the cells resemble oats under the microscope, begins in the lung tissue. Unlike most non-small cell lung cancer, it often spreads quickly, and only accounts for less than 20 percent of lung cancers. The two types of small cell lung cancer are limited and extensive. The type of small cell lung cancer you have will be determined during the testing and staging process.
Though both small cell lung cancer types can limit your ability to perform everyday activities, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) offers innovative treatment options with the goal of minimally disrupting your lifestyle.
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