What is small cell carcinoma?

Small cell lung carcinoma is a cancer in which the cells, when looked at under a microscope, are small in size, according to the American Cancer society. SCLC is one of two major types of lung cancer, but it only accounts for 10 to 15 percent of all cases.

Also known as oat cell cancer or oat cell carcinoma, SCLC can start near the chest's center and typically spreads quickly. It often goes undetected until considerable spreading has occurred, states the American Cancer Society.

Chemotherapy may treat this cancer in people who are otherwise healthy. Radiation and surgery may also be options, though the latter is rare, according to the American Cancer Society.