Question 1

what kind of results have been found using the drug xalkori  or crizotinib for non  small cell lung cancer ?

Accepted Answer

For certain subtype: If you have a certain subtype -i.e. Certain molecular abnormality -alk-1 fusion abnormality- the response could be dramatic. There is no benefit of this therapy  if you don't have the molecular abnormality.

Question 2

mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 6/12. they are unsure if it is small cell /non small cell. 1st chemo drug did nothing . life expectancy?

Accepted Answer

Sadly not long: The average 5 year survival for stage 4 lung cancer is near zero. 
The average survival is 1  year.

Question 3

small cell lung cancer. how long was it there when you can see it on x-ray?

Accepted Answer

Weeks to months: There is no hard and fast rule. In studies that tried to detect lung cancer early using a chest x-ray, almost half of the cancers appeared within a year of a normal x-ray. Taking into account the rate of growth of a cancer cell, and the minimum size needed for detection on x-ray, a good estimate for small cell is a few weeks to a few months.

Question 4

what is stage 5 small cell lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

There is not: Small cell lung cancer is divided into limited and extensive stage. The usual stage i-iv cancer staging system is not used. Limited stage means that all sites of cancer can be focused in a radiation treatment field. If this is not the case, it is extensive stage.

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/lungcancer-smallcell/detailedguide/small-cell-lung-cancer-staging.

Question 5

how do you cure small cell lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

You rarely do: Small cell lung cancer is one of two major categories of lung cancer.  It is often associated with smoking and is unfortunately often diagnosed too late to achieve a "cure".  Rarely, we catch it early and it can be cut out.  However, more often it is advanced and treatment options are only chemo tx and radiation.  Some patients initially respond to the therapy, but rarely do patients live >5yrs.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of small cell lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Paraneoplastic,etc..: Small cell lung cancer is like other lung cancers, but it also often presents with a paraneoplastic syndrome due to its neurosecretory granules which contain neuroendocrine hormone.  The lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome (muscle weakness due to auto-antibodies), is a prime example.  Most arise in the larger airways (primary and secondary bronchi), and include syx. Like fatigue, dyspnea, and cough.

Question 7

what can you do to treat small cell lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Non surgical: Once cell type determined, surgery is not usual.
Chemo/ radiation as to location etc.

Question 8

how are non small and small cell lung cancer different?

Accepted Answer

Lung cancer: Small ("oat") cell lung cancer is distinguished by the fact that is has almost always spread beyond the lung when discovered and is therefore not surgically curable, but responds very well to initial chemotherapy. Now that the other common types are coming to be more treatable as well, "non-small cell" is giving way to more elaborate diagnostic schemes. Good luck ; keep up hope.

Question 9

how likely is it that small cell lung cancer will return?

Accepted Answer

More than 50%: Of sclc recurs, so i guess you would say it is "likely;" however, the proporion surviving beyond 2 years in limited disease has climbed from <5% to > 20% - perhaps as high as 25%.  In ed very few survive beyond 24months free of disease. Knowing 'rate of recurrence' doesn't help the person confronting th disease. In ld, there is a chance for cure. Go for it!

Question 10

how long does it take for a small cell lung cancer to grow 5 cm?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 1 year: The speed of tumor growth can be measured by the "doubling time"= time needed to double the volume of tumor.
For small cell it can be 2 months.
If the tumor was found when it is 1 cm in diameter, it would need 7 doublings times x 2 month = 14 months.
If the tumor should start with a single cell, it would take 30 doublings to reach 1 cm in diameter.

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Doctor answers about:

Small cell lung cancer medication

A member asked:

What kind of results have been found using the drug xalkori or crizotinib for non small cell lung cancer ?

A member asked:

Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 6/12. they are unsure if it is small cell /non small cell. 1st chemo drug did nothing . life expectancy?

A member asked:

Small cell lung cancer. how long was it there when you can see it on x-ray?

A member asked:

What is stage 5 small cell lung cancer?

A member asked:

How do you cure small cell lung cancer?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of small cell lung cancer?

A member asked:

What can you do to treat small cell lung cancer?

A member asked:

How are non small and small cell lung cancer different?

A member asked:

How likely is it that small cell lung cancer will return?

A member asked:

How long does it take for a small cell lung cancer to grow 5 cm?

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