Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a rare, fast-growing cancer that requires immediate treatment. However, most cases of small cell lung cancer are not diagnosed until the condition has reached an advanced stage. At The London Clinic Lung Centre, we provide rapid diagnosis and advanced treatment options that can transform your prognosis.
Small cell lung cancer
Also known as: SCLC, Oat cell carcinoma, Oat cell cancer
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Small cell lung cancer consultation at The London Clinic
What is thymoma?
Thymomas are a type of thymic cancer that causes tumours to develop in your thymus gland (a gland between your lungs and behind your breastbone). It’s generally a slow-growing cancer with a low risk of metastasising (spreading to other body parts). However, it can become advanced and affect nearby organs like your lungs and heart.
Investigations for other health conditions usually pick up thymomas, which doctors frequently associate with autoimmune conditions. However, their symptoms can lead you to seek medical advice and, as a result, a thymoma diagnosis.
Treating thymomas often includes surgery, radiation or chemotherapy or a combination of the three when it’s advanced. Early detection is vital for increasing thymoma treatment’s effectiveness.
Thymoma symptoms
Generally, thymomas don’t cause symptoms in their early stages.
However, as they grow, they can cause symptoms like:
- Chest pain, pressure or discomfort – from the thymoma pressing on other parts of your chest
- A persistent, chronic cough or shortness of breath – due to compression of the lungs and airways
- Fatigue and muscle weakness – sometimes linked to autoimmune conditions commonly associated with thymomas
- Problems swallowing (dysphagia) – caused by compression in your airways and oesophagus
Thymoma diagnosis
We take a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing thymoma, ensuring you receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
First, we’ll assess your symptoms and discuss your medical history.
Afterwards, we may recommend diagnostic tests like a chest X-ray and a computerised tomography (CT) scan. These tests can identify any abnormal masses in your chest. A positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can help us determine the extent of the tumour and whether it’s affecting other structures and organs nearby.
We may take a biopsy of the tumour to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate it from other cancer types.
We take biopsies using methods like:
- CT-guided biopsy
- Mediastinoscopy
- Thoracoscopy
Sometimes, we perform a blood test to check for autoimmune conditions that may require additional care and support.
With our accurate diagnostics, you can receive a personalised treatment plan led by our multidisciplinary team.
What causes small cell lung cancer?
While small cell lung cancer can affect anyone, it occurs most commonly in people who have smoked, currently smoke or have been exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke.
That said, other factors can increase the risk of developing small cell lung cancer, including:
- A family history of lung cancer – there is a genetic component to certain types of lung cancer
- Exposure to carcinogens in a workplace – including asbestos, tar, nickel or arsenic
- Air pollution – such as long-term exposure to fine particulate matter
- Radiation – from cancer screening scans or treatments which use radiation
- Exposure to radon gas – a colourless, odourless gas that naturally comes up from rocks and soil
- Having a weakened immune system – for example, due to conditions that suppress your immune system
Since the cause of thymoma isn’t entirely known, there’s no obvious way to prevent it. However, leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking may reduce your risk of thymomas and cancer generally.
It’s usual for thymoma treatment to make you tired and nauseous and potentially lose your hair (depending on the treatment type). However, the side effects are usually temporary.
Your treatment’s success rate will depend on factors like the thymoma stage and your overall health. Our team will discuss what you can expect with your treatment and outcome.
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
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