Does neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung belong to small cell lung cancer?

Does neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung belong to small cell lung cancer?

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung is not completely equivalent to small cell lung cancer. It is a broader disease category that includes small cell lung cancer and other types of neuroendocrine tumors. Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung is divided according to different pathological types and degrees of differentiation, including typical carcinoid, atypical carcinoid, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and small cell lung cancer. Understanding the specific classification, symptoms and treatment plans can help patients get more accurate treatment.

1Classification of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung is divided into four types based on the degree of tumor differentiation and malignancy:

Typical carcinoid: well-differentiated, lowest degree of malignancy, slow growth and good prognosis.

Atypical carcinoid: general differentiation, moderate malignancy, and rapid growth.

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: It is highly malignant and has a relatively poor prognosis.

Small cell lung cancer: The most malignant type, it progresses rapidly and the prognosis is often poor. Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 15% of all lung cancers and is the most representative type of pulmonary neuroendocrine cancer.

2 Symptoms of neuroendocrine lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and other types of neuroendocrine cancer may not have obvious symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, symptoms such as persistent cough, hoarseness, chest pain, and dyspnea may occur. Some patients may develop specific syndromes, such as Cushing's syndrome or carcinoid syndrome. These symptoms suggest that patients should seek medical attention as soon as possible and have their condition clarified through imaging examinations and pathological diagnosis.

3 Treatment of neuroendocrine lung cancer

Treatment options vary depending on the specific tumor type and stage:

Drug treatment: Small cell lung cancer is mainly treated with chemotherapy such as etoposide combined with cisplatin or carboplatin, which has good efficacy but is prone to recurrence; patients with carcinoid tumors are mostly treated with long-acting octreotide to control symptoms.

Surgical treatment: Well-differentiated typical carcinoid, atypical carcinoid and some early neuroendocrine carcinomas such as large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma can be cured by surgical removal of the tumor.

Radiation therapy: It is often used for small cell lung cancer or large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma that is locally inoperable, and is often combined with chemotherapy for comprehensive treatment.

Immunotherapy such as PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors also show potential in some cases.

Neuroendocrine cancer of the lung includes many types, and the treatment strategy must be determined according to the condition, but small cell lung cancer is just one of the more malignant types. If you suspect related diseases, you should seek medical attention in time to obtain early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

<<:  How to treat left ovarian teratoma?

>>:  What is the disease of left ovarian teratoma and is it serious?

Recommend

What are the precautions for thread carving?

Thread carving is a cosmetic technique that can m...

How long does it take for moderate intestinal metaplasia to heal

Moderate intestinal metaplasia is a gastrointesti...

What medicine to use for premature heart beats

Premature heart beats are a common clinical probl...

What is metastatic lung cancer

Metastatic lung cancer refers to the metastasis o...

What are the symptoms of cardiovascular disease?

The incidence of cardiovascular disease is relati...

How to avoid mosquito bites while sleeping

There are a lot of mosquitoes in the summer. What...

The effect of adrenaline, injection is effective

Many people have experienced symptoms such as lac...

What to do if you get scalded by soup

As the baby grows, parents need more patience and...

What are the normal liver function indicators?

The liver is an important detoxification organ in...

Experts introduce the main symptoms of kidney cancer

The symptoms of kidney cancer are not easy to det...

Left side back rib pain

In our lives, many people often feel pain in the ...

What to do if mosquito bites cause redness, swelling and blisters

It is said that spring is the season when all thi...