What is small cell brain cancer?
Small cell brain cancer is actually a cancer of the lungs that has spread to the brain. It begins as small cell lung cancer which is a fast-moving cancer usually caused by smoking. Often, it has moved to the brain by the time the cancer is diagnosed although the patient may not even have symptoms of brain cancer. Symptoms include chest pain, cough, shortness of breath and weight loss. Radiation and chemotherapy are the treatments for this type of cancer, although unfortunately, this cancer is considered very deadly and treatments are thought to prolong life, not cure the cancer. Quitting smoking and adhering to a routine of regular physical exams can help prevent the onset of small cell cancer.