What is small cell carcinoma of the lung?
A person with small cell carcinoma of the lung has abnormal cells in the lung that multiply out of control. These cells can form tumors and spread to other parts of the body. Small cell carcinomas may produce hormones, such as antidiuretic hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone. For this reason, patients with small cell carcinoma can have tumors that release extra hormones into the bloodstream. The production of extra hormones by cancer cells is called paraneoplastic syndrome. The most common cause of small cell carcinoma of the lung is smoking. About 15 percent of those with lung cancer have small cell carcinoma of the lung.

What are the symptoms of small cell carcinoma of the lung?
Symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

How does the doctor treat small cell carcinoma of the lung?
The treatment for lung cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.