It is important for the cancer team to be able to recognize what a small cell might look like— such as central location of the tumor, bulky adenopathy generally. Sometimes patients present with unexplained weight loss and/or hemoptysis because of the central location of the tumor. It is important to be able to pick up on risk factors and understand the importance from symptoms to diagnosis and diagnosis to treatment. CANCER BUZZ spoke to Adam Fox, MD, Pulmonologist, Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Listen as Dr Fox discusses the importance of recognizing and diagnosing small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

"In most patients, while small cell only accounts for 10% to 15% of all lung cancers, almost all patients with small cell lung cancer have a smoking history…"

"Fundamentals for anyone with lung cancer is to pick that biopsy site that is going to provide the diagnosis, at least some stage information, and any tissue needed for extra stains (to confirm the diagnosis), or mostly the case for non-small cell lung cancer, biomarker testing for making treatment decisions."

Adam Fox, MD

Pulmonologist

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, SC

ACCC's SCLC program is supported by AstraZeneca and G1 Therapeutics.

Resources:

Cancer Support Community

Go2 for Lung Cancer

LUNGEVITY

Lung Cancer Research Foundation