Small cell carcinoma of the lung CT

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dildar Hussain, MBBS [2]

Chest CT scan, preferably with intravenous contrast administration, may be helpful in the diagnosis of small cell carcinoma. Findings on CT scan suggestive of small cell carcinoma include hilar mass, mediastinal involvement, numerous lymphadenopathy, direct infiltration of adjacent structures, necrosis and hemorrhage. Small cell carcinoma of the lung is the most common cause of SVC obstruction, due to both compression/thrombosis and/or direct infiltration. All patients with confirmed diagnosis of SCLC by histopathological findings should undergo a CT scan of the abdomen for staging purposes. CT scan of the abdomen helps identify metastasis to organs, such as the liver or the adrenal glands. Brain imaging is also mandatory for staging; however, brain MRI is preferred over brain CT scan due to its superior sensitivity for the detection of brain metastasis. In addition, when limited stage small cell lung cancer is suspected, PET CT scan should be performed.

Chest CT scan, preferably with intravenous contrast administration, may be helpful in the diagnosis of small cell carcinoma. Findings on CT scan suggestive of small cell carcinoma include:^[1]

• Hilar mass
• Mediastinal involvement
• Numerous lymphadenopathy
• Direct infiltration of adjacent structures
• Necrosis
• Hemorrhage
• The most common cause of SVC obstruction is SCLC, because of both compression or thrombosis and or direct infiltration.
• CT is used to stage small cell lung cancer.
• CT scan of the abdomen helps identify metastasis to organs, such as the liver or the adrenal glands.
• Brain imaging is also mandatory for staging however a brain MRI is preferred over brain CT scan due to its superior sensitivity for the detection of brain metastasis.
• PET CT scan should be performed if limited stage small cell lung cancer is suspected.

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