Lung Cancer- Small Cell Lung Cancer

Question 1

Small cell Lung Carcinoma histo fx?

Answer 1

Small, neoplastic cells with

Scant cytoplasm and ill defined borders

Finely-granular nuclear chromatin (salt & pepper)

No glandular or squamous organization

Extensive necrosis

Combined small cell variant: mixed with any other non small cell neoplastic component

Question 2

Small cell Lung Carcinoma gross fx?

Answer 2

Hilar, Central masses

Question 3

Small cell Lung Carcinoma Treatment?

Answer 3

1. Most aggressive of lung tumours, virtually incurable by surgical means
2. Sensitive to chemotherapy & radiotherapy

Question 4

Small cell Lung Carcinoma paraneoplastic syndromes?

Answer 4

Cushing syndrome (caused by ACTH-like protein production),

SIADH (caused by ADH-like protein
production)

Lambert-Eaton syndrome (myasthenia gravis-like illness resulting from
defect in acetylcholine release)

Question 5

Small cell Lung Carcinoma qualities and prognosis?

Answer 5

• Metastasizes widely
• Most aggressive of lung tumours, virtually incurable by
  surgical means
• Poor prognosis