Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) presents a different phenotype to non-small cell lung cancer. It is relatively common (up to 20% of all lung cancers). The disease is characterised by rapid growth rate, early metastatic spread and an association with smoking. Characteristically these tumours are initially responsive to radiation and chemotherapeutic treatment but are also associated with early recurrence. In the 7th edition of the lung cancer TMN staging, SLCLC has been divided simply into limited disease and extensive disease groups. Limited disease indicates disease confined to one hemithorax but includes contralateral mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes and malignant pleural effusions. Patients with disease beyond these parameters are described as having extensive disease. Patients with limited disease typically receive chemotherapy and possibly radiotherapy. Patients with extensive disease will have chemotherapy alone.

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