Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer differences

Written by Xia Bao Jun
Pulmonology
Updated on January 27, 2025
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Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are both types of primary bronchogenic carcinoma, differing only in their cellular morphology. They also differ in clinical symptoms and characteristics of metastasis. Small cell lung cancer is more prone to metastasis clinically, including strenuous and distant spread, such as to the brain and liver. The medications used for each are also different; small cell lung cancer typically involves chemotherapy drugs like etoposide and cisplatin, whereas non-small cell lung cancer commonly uses drugs like paclitaxel and platinum-based drugs.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Symptoms of brain metastasis from lung cancer

Brain metastasis of lung cancer is caused by hematogenous spread of lung cancer to the brain. Brain metastasis typically presents with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting, including projectile vomiting. The headaches may be severe, and there may be abnormalities in sensory perception and motor function, possibly accompanied by seizures, mental confusion, olfactory disturbances, visual impairments, and other symptoms. The specific symptoms can vary depending on the location of the metastasis in the brain. However, most patients experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Individual differences are significant, and it's important to analyze the specific issues and the specific areas of the brain affected.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Will people with lung cancer experience weight loss?

This question should be answered specifically. Some people may initially experience symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue when they start to develop lung cancer. Some people with better physical constitution may not lose weight so easily. However, if a malignant tumor persists in the body for a long time, it will consume the body's nutrients and lead to a state of cachexia, characterized by systemic toxicity symptoms including weight loss, fatigue, fever, and other similar symptoms.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Staging of Lung Cancer

The staging of lung cancer is of great clinical significance for the selection of clinical treatment plans and the prediction of prognosis. According to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and the World Health Organization, lung cancer is staged based on the size of the primary tumor (T stage), the condition of tumor lymph node metastasis (N stage), and the presence of distant metastases (M stage). Lung cancer is classified according to these criteria, which are used internationally. Currently, there are UICC staging and AJCC staging, which are two different systems.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Dietary therapy for lung cancer

In the diet of lung cancer patients, Western medicine does not have the concept of "trigger foods" like Chinese medicine does. According to Western medicine, there are no specific dietary restrictions; the focus is on maintaining a balanced diet as usual, incorporating meat, proteins, vegetables, and fruits to ensure nutritional balance. Generally, lung cancer patients may experience coughing symptoms, so it is advisable to consume a light diet avoiding oily fried foods. Extremely spicy foods can provoke irritative coughing and worsen it, so they should be avoided, along with barbecued and pickled foods, and junk food. Other than that, the diet should be similar to a normal balanced diet. For patients undergoing chemotherapy, a high-protein diet is recommended, preferably consisting of steamed or stewed dishes. These can be combined with traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such as Astragalus, American ginseng, and Dong quai, which are known to boost energy and enhance resistance, thus aiding in dietary therapy to strengthen the patient's immunity.

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Written by Xia Bao Jun
Pulmonology
39sec home-news-image

Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer differences

Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are both types of primary bronchogenic carcinoma, differing only in their cellular morphology. They also differ in clinical symptoms and characteristics of metastasis. Small cell lung cancer is more prone to metastasis clinically, including strenuous and distant spread, such as to the brain and liver. The medications used for each are also different; small cell lung cancer typically involves chemotherapy drugs like etoposide and cisplatin, whereas non-small cell lung cancer commonly uses drugs like paclitaxel and platinum-based drugs.