How much do you know about small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors that seriously endangers human health and life. Its mortality rate ranks first among malignant tumors for both men and women. It is a malignant tumor with a mortality rate and incidence rate that are very close. Especially in first-tier cities, small cell lung cancer has ranked first in the incidence rate of malignant tumors. How much do you know about small cell lung cancer? Let's take a look at it together.

It is generally believed that the onset of small cell lung cancer is mainly caused by environmental factors. When talking about lung cancer, people always think of smoking. Indeed, the occurrence of small cell lung cancer is closely related to smoking. However, in real life, we often see that some people who never smoke die of lung cancer, while some people smoke all day long and can live a long life. In fact, this is not difficult to explain. Although smoking is the main cause of small cell lung cancer, it is not the only cause. The occurrence of small cell lung cancer is the result of the combined action of multiple factors. Smoking, passive smoking, occupational exposure, air pollution, family inheritance, etc. are closely related to lung cancer. The prognosis of this disease is very poor. About 80% of patients die within one year after diagnosis because many patients are already in the advanced stage when diagnosed. The earlier the treatment, the better the prognosis.

In order to diagnose small cell lung cancer early and popularize the knowledge of prevention and treatment of small cell lung cancer, it is very necessary to understand some of the early symptoms of small cell lung cancer. In general, the main symptoms of small cell lung cancer are as follows:

1. Cough. The most common self-reported symptom of patients with small cell lung cancer is cough. About 60% of patients have this as the first symptom. It is mainly paroxysmal irritating dry cough, without sputum or with only a small amount of white foamy sputum.

2. Hemoptysis is a typical clinical manifestation of patients with small cell lung cancer and one of the common first symptoms. About 30% of patients present with this symptom first. Usually, there are occasional blood spots and blood streaks in the sputum.

3. Chest pain is a common symptom in patients with early-stage small cell lung cancer, and 20-30% of patients present with this first symptom. Depending on the location of the tumor, different pain sensations may occur, such as irregular chest dull pain or pain, chest pain with obvious tenderness, and pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or changing body position.

4. Chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing are often caused by multiple reasons. Many patients with small cell lung cancer already have varying degrees of chronic lung disease. The occurrence of small cell lung cancer can lead to aggravation of the original symptoms. In addition, if the tumor is located in the large bronchus, it can cause narrowing and obstruction, thus affecting breathing, etc.

5. Fever. Small cell lung cancer can cause obstructive pneumonia and fever. This fever can be relieved in many patients after antibiotic treatment. In addition, the tumor itself can also cause cancer fever, which often persists and antibiotic treatment may be ineffective.

6. Weight loss is a common symptom and is not necessarily a late sign.

7. Others: Small cell lung cancer can cause paraneoplastic syndromes, such as neuromuscular disease myopathy syndrome, acanthosis nigricans, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, endocrine changes, etc.

The symptoms of small cell lung cancer are very similar to those of colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc., and are easily overlooked. Therefore, people with high-risk factors must be vigilant about the above symptoms and seek medical attention in a timely manner if similar symptoms are found. Relevant examinations such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and bronchoscopy can detect lesions in a timely manner and make early diagnoses. Only in this way can we win more time in the battle against cancer and improve the survival rate.