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Specifically, in a person with SCLC, cancerous cells appear small and round under a microscope. In contrast, the cells of NSCLC are larger.

Notably, both SCLC and NSCLC have several subtypes. For instance, more common NSCLC subtypes include:

• First, adenocarcinoma
• Moreover, large cell carcinoma
• Finally, squamous cell carcinoma

On the other hand, SCLC also has subtypes, researchers do not typically distinguish between them.

Although, some NSCLC subtypes may be more aggressive than others, but generally, In general, SCLC is more aggressive than NSCLC.

In fact, smoking is a major risk factor for both types of lung cancer. Moreover, very few people who have never smoked receive a diagnosis of SCLC.

Diagnosis

If a person consults a doctor about possible symptoms of lung cancer, the doctor may ask questions, take a medical history, and perform a physical examination.

Additionally, if they suspect lung cancer, the doctor may request imaging scans, such as an X-ray or CT scan, and look for signs of a tumor, scarring, or a buildup of fluid.

Furthermore, they may also request samples of phlegm to perform a sputum test. This can indicate whether cancer is present. Specifically, the doctor may ask the person to provide a sample every morning for 3 days in a row.

Moreover, doctors may also perform a biopsy. This involves using a needle to take a sample of cells from the lungs for examination under a microscope. In fact, they may do this during surgery.

Consequently, a biopsy can show whether cells are cancerous and what type of cancer is present, if any.

In some cases, the doctor requests a bronchoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a tool with a built-in camera through the mouth or nose and into the lungs. As a result, this helps healthcare professionals see the area and take tissue samples.

Finally, healthcare professionals may also carry out other tests to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the lungs.

How do Symptoms Differ?

SCLC and NSCLC have similar symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms do not appear until the cancer reaches a later stage.

Possible symptoms include:

• First, a cough cough that brings up bloody mucus
• Second, chest pain and discomfort
• Third, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Moreover, fatigue
• Furthermore, hoarse voice
• Next, loss of appetite
• Also, persistent cough
• Likewise, shortness of breath and wheezing
• Finally, swelling in the veins of the face and neck

Although the symptoms of the two types are similar, however SCLC spreads more rapidly.

Consequently, a person may be more likely to experience symptoms once lung cancer has reached a later stage.

How do Causes Differ?

The causes and risk factors for SCLC and NSCLC tend to be similar.

Smoking is the main risk factor. Cigarette smoke and the chemicals it contains can damage the lungs, leading to cellular changes that may result in cancer.

Additional risk factors include:

• exposure to secondhand smoke
• significant air pollution in the local area
• older age
• past exposure to radiation
• exposure to arsenic and other chemicals, such as radon
• exposure to asbestos, nickel, chromium, soot, or tar
• a family history of lung cancer
• HIV

Difference between Staging

The stage of cancer describes how far it has spread within the body.

There are different ways to describe the stages. One simple way is:

• Firstly, In situ: Healthcare professionals have detected abnormal cells. However, these cells have not yet become cancerous or spread.
• Secondly, Localized: In this case, the cancer is in only one place in the body.
• Moreover, Regional: Furthermore, The cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
• Furthermore, Distant: In contrast, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, liver, or the other lung.
• Finally, Unknown: Consequently, there is not enough information to determine the stage.

However, each type of lung cancer has its own specific method of staging.

Stages of NSCLC

For this type of cancer, doctors typically use a 5-stage system:

• First, Stage 0: Similar to “in situ,” this means a doctor cannot detect cancerous cells through traditional imaging methods.Nevertheless, tests have revealed precancerous cells in the mucus or elsewhere in the body.
• Second, Stage 1: At this stage, the cancer is in the lungs only.
• Moreover, Stage 2: In this stage, the cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes or has grown larger than in stage 1 without spreading to the lymph nodes.
• Furthermore, Stage 3: At this stage, the cancer has spread to other lymph nodes in the chest, possibly to those in the middle or on the other side of the chest.
• Lastly, Stage 4: In this stage, the cancer is present in both lungs, in other parts of the body, or both.

Next, Stages of SCLC

In fact healthcare providers generally categorize SCLC into one of two stages:

• First, The limited stage: The cancer is on one side of the chest. It may be in one lung and possibly in nearby lymph nodes.
• In addition, The extensive stage: The cancer has spread either to the other lung or to other organs outside the original tumor.

Moreover, some doctors use further staging for SCLC.