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Small Cell Lung Cancer | |||
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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, it is vital during this difficult time that you equip yourself with the facts about the disease. Knowledge is the first step in developing a personalized treatment plan, and our philosophy of cancer treatment puts patients first and in the center of their care. We at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) seek nothing less than victory over your small cell lung cancer.
If you or a loved one are exploring small cell lung cancer treatment options, call us at 800-615-3055 to speak with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. They can help you determine if CTCA is the right treatment facility for you. You can also chat online about small call lung cancer with our specialists anytime, day or night.
Information on Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer--also referred to as "oat cell" lung cancer, because the cells resemble oats under the microscope--accounts for nearly 20 percent of all lung cancers. There are a number of factors that may increase a person's risk of developing small cell lung cancer, both genetic and environmental. The greatest environmental risk factor is smoking tobacco. Smoking accounts for more than 8 out of every 10 cases of lung cancer, and is almost exclusively the cause of small cell lung cancer. Recent studies concerning the dangers of exposure to secondhand smoke attribute it as a leading factor in thousands of lung cancer deaths per year. Other environmental factors include exposure to asbestos, radon, and air pollution.
Small cell lung cancer symptoms, in the very early stages, are extremely subtle to the point of being virtually nonexistent, and generally early-stage detected occurs through tests for a different health issue. Once the disease has progressed, however, symptoms can include the following:
- A productive or persistent cough
- Chest pain that doesn't go away
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of the face and neck
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual tiredness
Although these symptoms may be indicative of other health issues, it is crucial to see your physician for a thorough medical exam and diagnostic testing.
Small Cell Lung Cancer Testing
Several tests may be involved in the diagnosis and staging of small cell lung cancer, including a complete physical exam, x-rays, CT scan, PET scan, and many other more advanced detection methods. Once the disease has been properly diagnosed, understanding the stage of its progression, or staging, provides essential information toward determining the best treatment options available. Small cell lung cancer is measured in two stages--limited, and extensive. Knowing the extent of the disease allows you and your team to effectively plan your treatment.
Small Cell Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Options
At CTCA, we understand that a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer can overwhelm both you and your family. It's crucial to learn about all available treatment options, to make informed choices during this trying time. We'll help you sort through the information overload and develop a unique treatment plan suited to your particular needs.
There are a number of treatment options available. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we believe in your fundamental right to be informed about, and to participate in choosing from the most innovative small cell lung cancer treatment methods. Your CTCA team, which may consist of a medical oncologist, a surgical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist, accompanied by a staff of complementary therapists, will work with you and your family to develop an individualized, integrative small cell cancer treatment program, suited to your unique needs. You and your therapy team will develop a treatment plan from our comprehensive array of methods including photodynamic therapy and TomoTherapy; conventional methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; and complementary therapies including nutritional support, naturopathic medicine, spiritual support, and pain management methods designed to help reduce the side effects of conventional small cell cancer treatment while boosting your immune system. All of these therapies take place under one roof in a nurturing, caring environment not found at most medical care facilities.
If you are currently receiving treatment for small cell lung cancer and you have concerns about your current level of care, please don't hesitate to contact us either over the phone at 800-615-3055 or online via Chat Now. We realize that it's difficult to consider leaving your current doctor, but you need to know you're receiving the very best possible care. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day, every day. You may also find it helpful to hear what other lung cancer patients have had to say about their disease and treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America--read their success stories.
You deserve a treatment plan that takes your individual needs into consideration. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America your team of doctors and specialists will work with you to develop a holistic, individualized treatment plan suited to your unique needs. Your team will meet with you in order to optimize your care, and a personal care manager will follow the course of your treatment from initial visit to aftercare. Your care manager will be available to hear your concerns at any time during your treatment. At CTCA, we believe in your and your family's fundamental right to be involved in every decision regarding your care. We will fight with you using every method at our disposal. We are your allies in the fight against your disease, and we at CTCA fight to win.
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