Glossary

A test performed on a blood sample to measure the amount of certain substances in the bloodstream, such as electrolytes, fats, proteins, glucose and enzymes.¹

Why it is important: This test provides important information about how well the liver and kidneys are functioning. An abnormal amount of a substance in the blood can be a sign of disease or side effect of treatment.¹

The measure of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood.¹

Why it is important: Blood cells (including red and white blood cells and platelets) have 3 main functions: transport carbon dioxide and oxygen to and from the lungs, fight infection, and control bleeding.²

A complete blood count (CBC) lab test measures whether there's a healthy level of these blood cells in the body. CBC and blood chemistry tests both indicate important health factors that help shape a treatment plan.^3,4

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of images taken from different angles around the body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside the body.¹

Why it is important: A CT scan is a non-invasive method that can help doctors examine potential internal injuries. It can be used to visualize nearly all parts of the body and is used to diagnose disease or injury as well as to plan medical, surgical, or radiation treatment.⁵

A small, bean-shaped structure that is part of the body's immune system. There are hundreds of lymph nodes found throughout the body. They are connected to one another by lymph vessels. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the neck, underarm, chest, and groin.¹

Why it is important: Lymph nodes are a vital part of the immune system. They are responsible for filtering substances that travel through the body, and contain white blood cells that fight infection and disease.¹

A procedure that uses radio waves, a powerful magnet, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. A contrast agent, such as gadolinium, may be injected into a vein to help the tissues and organs show up more clearly in the picture.¹

Why it is important: Magnetic resonance imaging may be used to help diagnose disease, plan treatment, or find out how well treatment is working. It is especially useful for imaging of the brain, spinal cord, heart and blood vessels; the bones, joints, and other soft tissues; and organs in the pelvis, abdomen, and breast.¹

A tumor that forms from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system. Neuroendocrine tumors, such as SCLC, may make higher-than-normal amounts of hormones and can cause many different symptoms.¹

Some possible symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, persistent pain in a specific area, a lump in any part of the body, nausea or vomiting, a persistent cough or hoarseness, diarrhea, facial flushing, high or low levels of glucose in the blood, gastric ulcer disease, skin rash, confusion, anxiety, and certain nutritional deficiencies.^6,7

The most common type of lung cancer. NSCLC includes 3 main subtypes, all of which start from different types of lung cells but are grouped together due to their often-similar treatment and outlook.¹ These include:

• Adenocarcinoma, which starts in cells that would normally secrete substances such as mucus. It is usually found in the outer parts of the lung and is more likely to be found before it has spread¹
• Squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in squamous cells. These are flat cells that line the inside of the airways in the lungs¹
• Large cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma, which can appear in any part of the lung. This type tends to grow and spread quickly, which can make it harder to treat. A subtype of this cancer, known as large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, is fast-growing and very similar to SCLC^1,8

Why it is important: NSCLC makes up about 80 to 85 percent of lung cancers.⁸

A technique in which radioactive glucose is injected into a vein. A scanner is then used to make digital pictures of areas inside the body where that glucose is absorbed.^1,9

Why it is important: Cancer cells absorb more glucose than normal cells do. By observing areas in the body where more glucose is absorbed, the PET scan can determine where a tumor is in the body and if it has spread.^1,9

An aggressive (fast-growing) cancer that forms in tissues of the lung and can spread to other parts of the body. SCLC gets its name from the way its cells look under a microscope; they are oval and smaller than both normal cells and the cells of the other type of lung cancer (NSCLC). This type of lung cancer tends to grow and spread faster than NSCLC. SCLC tends to respond well initially to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, for many people, the cancer may return at some point and require additional treatment.^1,8,9

This is a procedure in which a bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth and into the lungs, to allow the doctor to look directly into the airways and lungs. A bronchoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens and may also have a tool to remove tissue, which can be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.^1,10

Why it is important: A bronchoscopy may be performed to collect a biopsy sample to be tested for cancer or to perform some treatment procedures.^1,10

A type of research study that tests how well new treatments work in people.¹

Why it is important: Clinical trials test new treatment approaches to find out how well they work in people. These studies test new treatments, diagnostic tests, and clinical care approaches.¹

A group of various professionals who each provide care and answer patients' questions about different medical, physical, emotional or spiritual aspects of cancer.¹

Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer are called oncologists, and there are a few different types. Medical oncologists treat and manage clinical care for individuals with cancer. Surgical oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating cancer with surgical methods. Finally, radiation oncologists treat tumors or cancer with radiation therapy.¹

Oncology nurses, along with oncologists, provide bedside care. They help patients and their families understand their cancer and treatment plan.¹¹

People may also have access to other healthcare team members including oncology social workers, psychiatrists, and clergy members, who can provide supportive care related to the emotional and spiritual aspects of cancer.¹¹

A program that gives special care to people who are near the end of life and have stopped treatment.¹

Why it is important: The goal of hospice care—which offers physical, emotional, social and spiritual support to those who are nearing end of life—is to help patients feel as comfortable as possible by controlling pain and other symptoms. Hospice care is typically given at home but can also be given in a hospital or nursing home.¹

A group of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice. Lung cancer organizations can connect you with support groups.¹

Why it is important: Being able to speak freely within a trusted and supporting group can positively impact your health. Many support groups offer educational resources, virtual and in-person meetings, and mentorship programs.¹²

When cancer cells spread from the place of origin to other parts of the body.^1,9,13

Why it is important: SCLC cells are small, but they can grow very quickly, creating tumors that often spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, liver, and bones.^1,9,13

Oxygen concentrators take in air from the room and filter out nitrogen. The process provides the higher amounts of oxygen needed for oxygen therapy.¹⁴

Concentrators may be large and stationary, or small and portable. Concentrators are different than tanks or other containers supplying oxygen because they use electrical pumps to concentrate the continuous supply of oxygen that comes from the surrounding air.¹⁴

Why it is important: To survive, we need oxygen going from our lungs to the cells in our body. Sometimes the amount of oxygen in our blood can fall below normal levels. Certain diseases, such as asthma, COVID-19, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the flu, and lung cancer can cause oxygen levels to drop. When a person's oxygen levels are too low, a healthcare provider may prescribe an oxygen concentrator for the person to use to take in extra oxygen.¹⁴

Care given to improve the quality of life for patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease.¹

Why it is important: Palliative care is used to prevent or treat certain side effects of any type of disease, including SCLC, and its treatment.¹

Palliative care can help ease physical symptoms as well as emotional problems related to disease or its treatment.¹

A nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body.¹

Why it is important: Peripheral neuropathy is a possible side effect of chemotherapy, and its symptoms may be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription medications if a doctor suggests them. Pain can also be managed with techniques such as physical therapy and massage therapy.^13,15

A type of radiation therapy that is used to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of tumors in the brain and central nervous system.¹

A program of education and exercise used to help improve lung function after surgery, as well as to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people living with SCLC and other diseases.¹

Why it is important: The skills and knowledge learned in the program will help you feel better and manage your chronic lung disease.¹

When cancer signs and symptoms decrease (partial remission) or disappear (complete remission).¹

Why it is important: Remission means that signs and symptoms of cancer are decreased, and it can be either "partial" or "complete"¹⁶:

• Partial remission, also known as partial response, means that treatment is working against the cancer, but the disease has not gone away completely
• Complete remission, also known as complete response, means that signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. Some people in complete remission may get maintenance therapy, which is a treatment that helps lower the chance of having the cancer come back

Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer, such as how large the tumor is and if it has spread. Knowing the stage of your cancer helps your doctor¹:

• Understand how serious your cancer is
• Plan the best treatment for you
• Identify clinical trials that may be options for you

Why it is important: A doctor may use imaging techniques, biopsy and/or a pathology examination to learn more about a tumor. Learning the stage of cancer can help a doctor determine a care plan and track treatment results.¹⁵

Doctors usually break SCLC into 2 main stages: limited-stage and extensive-stage. Limited-stage describes cancer that is only present in one part of the chest. Extensive-stage describes disease that has spread to other parts of the lungs or other parts of the body.¹³

Some healthcare providers and organizations may utilize a numerical system for staging (separating different stages of SCLC).¹³

A plan with information about a person's disease, treatment options and goals, possible side effects of treatment, and how long a treatment will take. There are successive treatment plans for SCLC¹:

• First-line therapy is the first treatment given for a disease; examples include chemotherapy and immunotherapy¹⁷
• Maintenance therapy is an extension of first-line therapy, continuing treatment to help extend the amount of time before the cancer grows or comes back (recurs). It can include immunotherapy and another type of chemotherapy¹⁸
• Second-line therapy is given if SCLC recurs or continues to grow during or after treatment. A doctor will usually suggest second-line therapy options if disease spreads after initial treatment and progresses, or if the person receiving treatment experiences a sensitivity to the medicine¹⁷