Cancer pathologies are widespread throughoutthe whole world. Every year the incidence of cancer is increasing. This is due to the fact that at present, methods for diagnosing oncological pathologies have significantly improved. One of the most common forms is small cell lung cancer. In the world, millions of people die of this disease every year. The question of how much people live with lung cancer is very relevant. Doctors for a long time trying to find a cure for cancer pathologies. In modern times, oncologists have achieved great success in this area. Such advances are mainly related to the early diagnosis of the disease. In addition, treatment methods are constantly being improved.
Like all cancers, lung cancerhas varieties. The classification is based on the radiological forms and types of cells from which the tumor is formed. Depending on the morphology, there are 2 types of oncological processes. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common. It has a more favorable course. Small cell lung cancer is characterized by rapid metastasis. It occurs in more rare cases. Also, this disease can occur in a localized (local) and common form.
Depending on where the tumor is located, the following types are distinguished:
This type of cancer is found in 25% of cases.It is referred to as aggressive forms due to its rapid spread to the lymphatic system. If cancer is suspected in smokers, the diagnosis is often small cell lung cancer. Life expectancy for this disease depends primarily on the stage of the process. The individual characteristics of the organism and the tolerance of treatment are also important. The malignancy of this type of cancer is due to the fact that it arises from undifferentiated cells. Such a tumor seems to “seize” the pulmonary parenchyma over a large distance, as a result of which it is difficult to detect the primary focus.
Like any oncological pathology, lung cancersmall cell does not arise just like that. Atypical cells begin to multiply due to several predisposing factors. The main cause of small cell cancer is smoking. There is also a connection between incidence and exposure to the body of harmful substances (heavy metals, arsenic). The likelihood of developing cancer is increasing in older people who have a high smoker’s index (who have been abusing tobacco for many years). Predisposing factors include chronic lung diseases, including tuberculosis, COPD, and obstructive bronchitis. The risk of developing small cell cancer is increased among people who have constant contact with dust particles. When combined factors such as smoking, chronic diseases and occupational hazards, the likelihood of a tumor is very high. In addition, the reasons for the development of oncological processes include a decrease in the body’s immune defense and chronic stress.
To the question of how much they live with lung cancer,can be answered only by knowing the stage of the disease. It depends on the size of the cancer process and the extent of spread to other organs. Like most tumors, lung cancer has 4 stages. In addition, there is also the initial phase of the disease. In another way, it is called "predrak". This phase is characterized by the fact that small-cell elements are located only on the inner lining of the lungs.
The first stage of cancer is characterized by a tumor size of up to 3 cm. At the same time, the nearby lymph nodes are not damaged. Around the tumor process is a healthy lung tissue.
The second stage. There is an increase in size (up to 7 cm). Lymph nodes are not damaged. Nevertheless, the tumor grows into the pleura and bronchi.
Third stage.It is characterized by a large size of the oncological process. Cancer grows in the lymph nodes of the chest, neck vessels and mediastinum. Also, the tumor can spread to the tissue of the pericardium, trachea, esophagus.
The fourth stage is characterized by the appearance of metastases in other organs (liver, bones, brain).
The clinical manifestations of the disease depend onstages of small cell lung cancer. In the initial stages of the pathology is very difficult to diagnose, since the symptoms are practically absent. The first signs of cancer are observed in the second stage of the disease. These include: increased dyspnea, a change in the nature of cough (in patients with COPD), chest pain. In some cases, the appearance of blood impurities in the sputum. The changes that occur in the third stage depend on where the tumor has grown. With the involvement of the heart in the process, symptoms such as pain, arrhythmias, tachy or bradycardia appear. If the tumor affects the pharynx and esophagus, a violation of swallowing occurs, gagging. The terminal stage is characterized by general weakness, swollen lymph nodes, subfebrile temperature and weight loss.
Unfortunately, this disease is very fast.is progressing. The life expectancy of patients depends on when a terrible diagnosis is made - “small cell lung cancer”. The prognosis of the disease is unfavorable. Especially it concerns patients with the 3rd and 4th stage of oncological process. In the initial forms, small cell cancer is also difficult to treat. However, sometimes it is possible to achieve a delay in tumor growth. It is impossible to determine with accuracy how much time is left for the patient to live. It depends on the human body and on the speed of development of the cancer. Five-year survival for small-cell lung tumor is 5-10%.
If the stage of the disease allows, then the cancermust be treated. Removal of the tumor and therapy will not only prolong the patient’s life, but also alleviate his suffering. For effective treatment should find a qualified specialist and a good cancer center. Moscow is considered one of the cities where medicine is developed at a very high level. In particular, it concerns oncology. New methods of treatment are being developed here, clinical trials are underway. There are several regional oncologic dispensaries and hospitals in Moscow. The most significant centers are the Institute of Herzen and Blokhin. In these oncologic dispensaries there is the newest equipment for treatment, the best specialists of the country work. The experience of scientific institutes in Moscow is widely used abroad.
Treatment of small cell lung cancer is carried out independing on the nature of growth, size and stage of the tumor process. The main method is chemotherapy. It allows you to slow down the growth of the tumor, increasing the life expectancy of the patient for months and years. Chemotherapy can be used at all stages of the oncological process, with the exception of the terminal phase. In this case, the patient's condition should be relatively satisfactory and not accompanied by other severe pathologies. Small cell lung cancer may have a localized form. In this case, chemotherapy is combined with surgical treatment and radiation.
