Diagnosing Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Overview

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing type of cancer that develops in the lung tissues. It is typically linked to smoking. Common signs include coughing and shortness of breath. To diagnose small cell lung cancer, doctors perform tests like imaging scans and biopsies, which involve taking samples of tissue for examination under a microscope. Specialists involved in diagnosing this type of cancer may include pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists.

Steps are first taken to diagnose SCLC, then to determine its stage. Diagnosis of SCLC may include:

• Medical history: The healthcare professional will review a person's symptoms, medical history, medications, family health history, and health-related habits such as smoking habits.
• Physical exam: Doctors conduct a thorough physical examination to assess symptoms and overall health.
• Laboratory tests:
  • Blood tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for general health of the kidneys, liver and other organs, and for signs of cancer.
  • Sputum tests: Sputum cytology is a test that examines mucus coughed up by the patient over three consecutive mornings to detect cancer cells.
• Imaging tests:
  • Chest X-ray: This may be used to enable the doctor to see the structure of the organs in the chest, including signs of infection or other lung abnormalities
  • CT scans produce detailed 3D images of the lungs to identify tumors.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope, providing a definitive diagnosis. Tests can be done on the sample to help determine the type of cancer.

To determine the stage or severity of SCLC, additional examinations and tests may include:

• PET scans, often performed alongside CT scans, use a mildly radioactive sugar injection to highlight areas where cancer cells may have spread.
• MRI scans may be used to detect if cancer has spread into the bones.
• Bronchoscopy: This procedure allows doctors to examine the airways and collect tissue samples for biopsy.
• Lymph node testing: If cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body is suspected, further tests such as endobronchial ultrasound or mediastinoscopy may be performed.

These tests help identify factors such as the extent of cancer spread within the body, aiding in treatment planning and prognosis assessment.