Small cell carcinoma
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| Histopathologic image of small cell carcinoma of the lung. CT-guided core needle biopsy. H & E stain. | |
| ICD-O: | M8041/3 |
| MedlinePlus | 000122 |
| eMedicine | med/1336 |
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.
When associated with the lung, it is sometimes called "Oat cell carcinoma" due to the flat cell shape and scanty cytoplasm. It originates from neuroendocrine cells in the bronchus and often leads to ectopic production of hormones ADH and ACTH. It is the most widely metastatic of all tumors (and henced staged differently) and is sometimes seen in combination with squamous cell carcinomas. Smoking is a significant etiological factor.
In addition to the lungs, small cell carcinoma is also known to play a role in prostate cancer. Due to the fact that there is little variation in prostate specific antigen levels this form of cancer is normally diagnosed at an advanced stage.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Neuroimmunology, The Medical School, Birmingham University - Abid R Karim, Birmingham UK
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