~1 in 3
people with SCLC are diagnosed at the limited stage1
Stages of
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Unlike some other cancers, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is classified into 2 main stages: limited and extensive.1 Knowing the stage of your cancer is key to understanding your treatment plan.
Limited-Stage SCLC
Limited-stage (LS) SCLC means the cancer is found in only one lung, and may also be in lymph nodes on the same side of the chest. The cancer is in a limited, or contained, area.1
Extensive-Stage SCLC
Extensive-stage (ES) SCLC means the cancer has spread beyond one lung. It may have spread to the other lung, to lymph nodes on the other side of the chest, or to other parts of the body.1
~2 in 3
people with SCLC are diagnosed at the extensive stage
because symptoms often do not appear until it has already spread1
Small Cell Lung Cancer:
What to Know
A clear overview of SCLC—from diagnosis to what comes next.
Reference
- American Cancer Society. Small cell lung cancer stages. Updated January 29, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging-sclc.html