Breathing in other carcinogens in the workplace, for example asbestos, can also trigger cancer. The names simply describe the type of cell found in the tumours. Radiotherapy uses high energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop their growth. In particular, it has a tendency to spread to distant parts of the body at a relatively early stage. As a result, small-cell lung cancers are generally less likely to be cured by surgery.
Chemotherapy is the main type of treatment and sometimes radiotherapy is used as well.
To learn more about survival rates for lung cancer compared to other cancers, click here . The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Links to other C-D stories are at the foot of the page.