Screening of Small cell lung cancer

The screening procedure helps detect small cell lung cancer at the initial stage while determining its possibility of survival benefit ^​1,2​. The primary aim of screening is to reduce the death rate of individuals occurring due to small cell lung cancer, eliminate the deaths from cancer, and reduce the number of individuals prone to develop the risk of small cell lung cancer. 

CT (LDCT) Imaging

The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) has shown the efficacy of screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) imaging when compared with the chest radiography (CXR) that showed a reduction in the death rate ^​3,4​. Several lung screening programmes are available for individuals at increased risk of developing small cell lung cancer. These programs have enabled the doctors to diagnose the initial stage of the disease, showing the treatment’s efficacy ^​5​. The doctors have followed the screening guidelines that involve annual lung cancer testing among individuals from 55-80 years who are observed with at least 30-pack-year smoking history. It represents that such individuals have smoked the equivalent of 1 pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years. The individuals who currently smoke or have quit their smoking habits should also undergo screening for small cell lung cancer. 

Some of the effective screening techniques are:

Low-dose CT scans (LDCT)

It mainly utilize x-rays and computers to create three-dimensional cross-sectional images of the body. Low-dose radiation has been integrated into the LDCT screening technique that produces a detailed picture of the areas within the body using an x-ray scanning machine that scans the body in the spiral path. Hence, it is also known as spiral scan or helical scan. The CT scans gives better results for detecting early stages of small cell lung cancer compared to conventional chest x-rays.

The low-dose CT scans can produce one-fifth of the radiation dose of the standard CT scan, which helps limit radiation exposure among the individuals who require annual screening. The experts have detected the suspicious growth of cells within the lungs on screening the CT scans, mainly among the individuals who have the habit of smoking. Most of the time, the detection does not reveal cancer. Instead, they offer the development of larger blood vessels, small scars, lymph nodes, small immune system glands that are capable of trapping foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria. The lymph nodes become enlarged due to several reasons involving the infection.

If there is any abnormal growth of the cells within the lungs, the follow-up CT scans are to for confirm the findings that show no alterations with time. The changing growth of cells proves to be cancerous and requires more appropriate testing before the diagnosis confirmation.

The screening with LDCT once every year for three consecutive years has shown efficacy in determining the initial stage of small cell lung cancer and decreasing the death rate among current and former heavy smokers.   

Chest x-ray

It involves the x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest region. The energy beam is produced and goes through the body and is produced in film making images of areas inside the body. 

Sputum cytology

It is a protocol in which a sputum (mucus that is coughed from the lungs) sample is taken and viewed under the microscope to check with the cancer cells. 

References