Small-cell carcinoma

Small-cell carcinoma

Cytological image of small-cell lung cancer.

Small-cell carcinoma is a type of highly malignant cancer that most commonly arises within the lung but can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the prostate, cervix, and gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by small cells that are poorly differentiated and have a high mitotic rate.

Pathophysiology

Histological image showing small-cell carcinoma.

Small-cell carcinoma is a neuroendocrine tumor, meaning it originates from cells that have traits of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. These tumors are aggressive, with a rapid doubling time and early development of widespread metastases. The cells are small, with scant cytoplasm, ill-defined cell borders, finely granular nuclear chromatin, and absent or inconspicuous nucleoli.

Diagnosis

Histopathological features of small-cell carcinoma.

Diagnosis of small-cell carcinoma is typically made through a combination of imaging studies and biopsy. Imaging studies such as CT scans and MRIs can help identify the presence of tumors, while a biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological examination reveals the characteristic small, round, blue cells.

Treatment

Core needle biopsy of lung small-cell carcinoma.

Treatment for small-cell carcinoma often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes surgery. Due to the aggressive nature of the disease, chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, often using drugs such as cisplatin and etoposide. Radiation therapy may be used to treat localized disease or to palliate symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for small-cell carcinoma is generally poor due to its aggressive nature and tendency to metastasize early. The overall 5-year survival rate is low, but early-stage disease may have a better outcome with appropriate treatment.

Epidemiology

Pie chart showing the distribution of lung cancer types.

Small-cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 10-15% of all lung cancers. It is strongly associated with smoking, with the vast majority of cases occurring in smokers or former smokers. The incidence of small-cell carcinoma has been declining in recent years, likely due to decreased smoking rates.

Related pages

• Lung cancer
• Neuroendocrine tumor
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy