There are many types of lung cancer, none of which can be counted as better or worse then the other. One type of lung cancer that is becoming more prevalent is small cell lung cancer. This type of lung cancer is most often, but not always caused by smoking.  Small cell lung cancer is diagnosed in many ways. 

The first noticeable symptoms vary with each individual, but one common symptom is an irritating cough that isn't eased by medications normally used to treat a cough, such as cough medicine or allergy medication. This type of cough may or may not be accompanied with flecks of blood in the sputum. Another symptom of small cell lung cancer is a feeling of fatigue. Because both of these symptoms can also be caused by a hundred other miner illnesses, they are sometimes over looked by the individual or physician. 

Shortness of breath may or may not be present among the first symptoms of small cell lung cancer. Because this symptom starts out slowly it is often times over looked, or the person will slowly acclimate themselves to doing less physical activities. There is rarely pain in the first symptoms of small cell ling cancer unless it has metastasized to another area of the body.   Getting a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer usually begins with a chest X-Ray being ordered by the physician. If the mass from small cell lung is very small it may missed on a common X-Ray. When the individual still complains of symptoms the doctor may order a CT or PET scan. These tests are much more accurate then a regular chest X-Ray. 

If a mass is noted on the lung by the Radiologist, a biopsy will be done. This is done under sedation by a trained professional. The small biopsy material will be sent to the Lab to determine if the cells are cancerous, and if so to determine exactly what type of lung cancer is present. The treatments for small cell lung cancer will vary for each person on an individual basis. Chemotherapy is almost always warranted  for the best chance of remission. This is usually accompanied by several rounds of radiation to the area of the lung where the mass is present. Radiation causes less ill physical effects then chemotherapy. Many patients receiving chemotherapy may have few side effects, but some may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss and dizziness. Most of these side effects can be treated by the physician to lessen them.