SCLC
Also written as: SCLC — small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer, an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor with rapid growth and early metastatic spread.
Full Definition
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of lung cancer representing approximately 15% of all lung cancers, characterized by rapid growth, early metastatic spread, and strong association with smoking. SCLC is classified as a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and is typically staged as either limited or extensive disease rather than using the traditional TNM system. Unlike NSCLC, SCLC is rarely amenable to surgical resection and is primarily treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The cancer is initially responsive to treatment but frequently relapses, resulting in a poor overall prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Always use capital letters; distinguish staging terminology (limited vs extensive) from TNM staging.
In Context
- "The rapid clinical progression suggested SCLC rather than NSCLC." — Clinical assessment
- "Extensive-stage SCLC was confirmed on imaging and treated with chemotherapy." — Treatment summary