Large Cell Carcinoma
Cancer that begins in several types of large cells is known as large cell carcinoma. Cancer cells are usually examined under a microscope to determine what the type of cancer is, the likely prognosis of the cancer and the most effective treatment. Examples of large cell carcinoma include lung cancer and lymphoma.Causes of Large Cell Carcinoma
There is no known cause for large cell carcinoma. There are risk factors linked to the different types of cancer associated with large cell carcinoma.
Risk factors of large cell lung carcinoma include:
- Smoking
- Living with someone who smokes
- Being exposed to radon, asbestos, chromium or other chemicals
- Living where there is air pollution
Risk factors of large cell lymphoma can include having:
- A weak immune system
- An autoimmune disease
- A parent or sibling with the disease
Symptoms of Large Cell Carcinoma
Symptoms also vary based on the specific type of cancer. For large cell lung cancer, symptoms include fatigue, mild dyspnea (shortness of breath) and achiness in the back, shoulder or chest.
The first sign of large cell lymphoma is often painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. Other symptoms include drenching night sweats, fevers and unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis for Large Cell Carcinoma
A cancer is determined to be large cell carcinoma when samples of the cells are examined under a microscope. Diagnosis for the specific type of cancer can vary.
For lung cancer, diagnosis can include a:
- Chest X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Bronchoscopy
Large cell lymphoma can be diagnosed through:
- Blood tests
- A CT scan
- A positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- A MRI scan
- Bone marrow biopsy
Treatments for Large Cell Carcinoma
Depending on the stage of cancer, treatment options for large cell carcinoma include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Clinical trials are also available for those who may not be responding to standard therapy.
