Small cell carcinoma of the lung: an "updated" overview

Updates in small cell lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is divided into two major histologic types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer. SCLC is rapidly progressive and, without treatment, may be fatal in as few as 12 weeks. Fortunately, SCLC is a very chemotherapy- and radiation-sensitive disease, and a variety of chemotherapy agents have demonstrated activity against it. This article provides an overview of SCLC, including current treatment strategies for limited, extensive, and recurrent disease. By understanding the various traditional and emerging treatment modalities, nurses can better assess their patients and help to reduce potential SCLC treatment complications.

Lung cancer, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma

This is the fourth of a six-part series on the metastatic spread and natural history of 18 common tumors. Part one summarized symptom/problem anticipation, cancer metastasis, and the 18 tumors that each cause more than 6000 deaths per year in the United States. Bladder and brain cancer were discussed, with information given on tumor types, metastatic spread and invasion, and common symptoms. Parts two and three charted the natural histories, problems, and assessment parameters of advanced cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, esophagus, kidney, and liver; and leukemia. Part four provides corresponding information on lung cancer, malignant melanoma, and multiple myeloma. Each of these cancers is presented separately, with information given on mortality rates, the most common tumor types, sites of metastases, common problems, and common oncology emergencies. Sites of spread, resulting problems (including site-specific symptoms), and assessment parameters are presented as tables. Material is presented so that clinicians will be able anticipate the spread of these cancers and can thus identify problems early in their development so that the problems are more easily managed.