Oat cell cancer is a form of a cancer characterized by the distinctly oat-like shape of the cancer cells. It is most commonly found in the lungs, although it can also originate in the prostate, and it is sometimes referred to as small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This type of cancer is extremely aggressive and the prognosis for the patient can be grim if it is not identified early, as the cancer may quickly metastasize to neighboring regions of the body, including the bones. Oat cell cancer can be treated with chemotherapy and radiation to kill off the cells, and in some cases surgical resection can be performed to remove cancerous cells from the body.
This cancer appears to arise in neuroendrocine cells. Oat cell cancer has been linked with a situation known as paraneoplastic syndrome, in which the patient develops symptoms as a result of the cancer which are not caused by presence of cancer cells, but rather by substances secreted by the cancer cells. In the case of oat cell cancer, the patient can experience neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling, along with hormone imbalances, and these symptoms can be early indicators of the cancer.
If a doctor suspects that a patient has oat cell cancer, a biopsy can be performed to take a sample of cells for closer examination. SCLC is very obvious when the sample is examined by a pathologist. The biopsy may also include sampling of neighboring areas of the body to determine whether or not the cancer has spread, for the purpose of staging it to determine which course of treatment would be most suitable.
Once oat cell cancer is identified, it needs to be treated promptly and aggressively. An oncologist can work with an interventional radiologist and other medical care providers to get necessary treatment for the patient. Patients may want to discuss their prognosis and the treatment options before plunging into a treatment program, to determine the best option for their specific situation.
The most common risk factor for the development of oat cell cancer is smoking or other forms of tobacco exposure. While this cancer can be seen in nonsmokers, it is most commonly seen among people with a history of exposure to tobacco. People can greatly reduce their risks of developing this aggressive form of cancer by not consuming tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.