What is small cell lung cancer?

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the two main types of lung cancer. SCLC starts in the hormone-producing cells in the lungs and often grows quickly. SCLC is less common. It makes up only 10-15% of all lung cancer cases.

As small cell lung cancer can spread quickly to other areas of the body, many cases of this type of lung cancer aren’t found until its later stages. However, treatment options are available for all types and stages of small cell lung cancer.

From tailored chemotherapy to innovative clinical trials to cancer support, our hospitals provide a multidisciplinary approach to care for small cell lung cancer. You’ll have access to the resources and expertise to plan your next steps and confidently move forward.

Types of small cell lung cancer

Understanding your type of lung cancer helps you make informed choices about your care. Your care team will describe your small cell lung cancer as one of two types:

Elderly woman with small cell lung cancer standing in the kitchen, cutting vegetables in preparatio

Small cell lung cancer vs. non-small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are named for how the cancer cells look under a microscope. As the name suggests, small cell lung cancer cells look small and round.

The most important differences are how fast these types of lung cancer spread and their treatment options. SCLC is more aggressive and more likely to return after your initial treatment.

Small cell lung cancer symptoms

Small cell lung cancer may not cause any symptoms at first. In the early stages, SCLC is usually only found during an imaging test for another health concern. As the symptoms are often the same as other less serious lung conditions, many people don’t notice symptoms until this type of cancer has already started to spread.

Routine lung cancer screening is vital for catching the condition early. If you have a high risk of lung cancer based on your age and smoking history, screening could help detect SCLC before you ever have symptoms.

Symptoms of small cell lung cancer include:

  • Persistent cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up blood or bloody mucus
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unexplained appetite loss
  • Swollen face or neck

What causes small cell lung cancer?

The precise cause of small cell lung cancer is not fully understood. However, it is believed to develop when neuroendocrine cells of the lung grow uncontrollably. We do know the risk factors for small cell lung cancer. For example, most cases of SCLC are related to smoking.

Older man with small cell lung cancer pushing a kayak off from the shore, while his wife, seated in

SCLC risk factors

The biggest risk factor for small cell lung cancer is a history of smoking. The longer and heavier your smoking history, the greater the risk. Exposure to secondhand smoke also raises your risk. The American Lung Association says that secondhand smoke could increase your SCLC risk by nearly 30%. 

While rare, it is possible to get small cell lung cancer even if you haven’t smoked or been exposed to secondhand smoke.

Other risk factors include:

  • Exposure to harmful substances or chemicals, like asbestos, arsenic or soot
  • Exposure to radiation, including from radiation therapy to treat other cancers or exposure to radon gas
  • Exposure to high levels of air pollution
  • A family history of any lung cancer
  • Taking beta carotene supplements as a smoker
  • Having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Diagnosing SCLC

If you develop small cell lung cancer symptoms, your care team will use imaging and other diagnostic tests to get to the cause. These tests also help you understand your specific type of cancer, its location and where it has spread.

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan can catch SCLC before you ever have symptoms. Screening is recommended annually in people ages 50-80 with a smoking history of at least one pack of cigarettes per day for 20+ years.

Physical exam and medical history

Diagnosing small cell lung cancer starts with a visit to your doctor. Your provider will ask you questions about how you’re feeling and your medical and family history. You’ll also have an exam to help guide your next steps for testing.

Small cell lung cancer stages

Lung cancer stages provide more information about the size and location of your small cell lung cancer and if it has spread. Unlike non-small cell lung cancer and many other types of cancer, doctors don’t typically use five stages for small cell lung cancer. Most of the time, your SCLC stage will be placed into one of two stages: Limited-stage small cell lung cancer or extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

Medical provider sitting at a desk with a patient, explaining an imaging picture showing the presen

Small cell lung cancer treatment

Your care team has several options to care for your small cell lung cancer and new lung cancer treatments are being studied daily to improve the options for SCLC. While non-small cell lung cancer is often treated with surgery, it is less common with small cell lung cancer. The most common treatments for SCLC are chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Whether you have limited-stage small cell lung cancer or extensive-stage, our specialized lung cancer treatment programs bring together teams of specialists to create a comprehensive care plan that works for you.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option if your SCLC is found when it’s still small and limited to one side of the chest. However, this isn’t a standard treatment.

During surgery for small cell lung cancer, your surgeon removes areas of the lung where your cancer is located and nearby lymph nodes. The majority of people who have surgery for small cell lung cancer also undergo other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Frequently asked questions