ABSTRACT
Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a malignant epithelial tumor characterized by the presence of round, oval, and spindle-shaped small cells with scant cytoplasm, extensive necrosis, high mitotic figures, and neuroendocrine morphology. Risk factors for lung cancer including SCLC are tobacco smoking, air pollution, radon gas, uranium, radiation, asbestos, nickel, and chromium exposure. The pathogenesis of SCLC may be related to the neuroendocrine activity and autoimmune phenomena. Clinical symptoms of lung cancer range from coughing, dyspnea, hemoptysis, respiratory tract infections, chest pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, to fatigue. Diagnosis of lung cancer involves medical history review, clinical examination, imaging, bronchoscopy with biopsy, cytological and histological examination of fine-needle aspirate or biopsy specimen. Treatment for lung cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, either alone or in different combinations. For recurrent SCLC, treatment options include chemotherapy and palliative therapy.
