Small cell carcinoma natural history, complications, and prognosis

Overview
Small cell carcinoma is a type of carcinoma usually associated with the lung, though it can be associated with other topographies, such as in cervical cancer.

Outlook/Prognosis
How well you do depends on how much the lung cancer has spread. This type of cancer is very deadly. Only about 6% of people with this type of cancer are still alive 5 years after diagnosis.

Treatment can often prolong life for 6 - 12 months, even when the cancer has spread.

Possible complications

 * Cancer spreads to other parts of the body
 * Side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy