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Why is there an inseparable relationship between smoking and small cell lung cancer?
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant cancer that originates primarily in the lungs, although occasionally it occurs in other sites such as the cervix, prostate, and digestive tract. SCLC grows faster, has higher proliferative factors, and develops metastases earlier than NSCLC. According to the latest data, the ten-year relative survival rate is only 3.5%.
The factor most associated with small cell lung cancer is undoubtedly smoking. Studies show that nearly all patients with small cell lung cancer have at least a history of smoking. Why is smoking a major driver of small cell lung cancer?
Small cell lung cancer is known as the "cancer of tobacco" because its incidence is closely related to tobacco use.
Types of small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer is generally divided into localized type and extensive type. Localized SCLC is found in the lungs and nearby lymph nodes, while extensive SCLC means cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. Different types of small cell lung cancer have different treatment options and prognosis.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Common symptoms of small cell lung cancer include persistent cough, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and general weakness. According to statistics, about 70% of patients already have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. The cells of this cancer are characterized by being small and with almost no cytoplasm, and approximately 60-70% of people have metastases at the time of diagnosis.
Treatment Plan
For the treatment of small cell lung cancer, the common methods are chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Patients with the localized form usually require a combination of chemotherapy and chest radiation therapy, while with the extensive form, aluminum-based chemotherapy regimens are often used.
Patients with small cell lung cancer respond well to chemotherapy, but most will eventually relapse, making continued research and innovative treatments critical.
Prognosis and Epidemiology
Small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 15% of lung cancers in the United States and occurs primarily in smokers. Statistics show that although the incidence and mortality of small cell lung cancer have declined over time, the survival rate is still worrying. Appropriate treatment options can improve the chances of long-term survival, however the overall patient prognosis remains poor.
Social Impact
In 2013, the U.S. Congress passed the Stubborn Cancer Research Act, requiring more attention to research involving refractory cancers such as small cell lung cancer.
Conclusion
Although the treatment of small cell lung cancer continues to improve, smoking, a major risk factor, still plays a key role in the development of this disease. Why do so many people still choose to smoke at such high risks?
