CASE STUDY ON SMALL LUNG CELL CARCINOMA IN A 26-YEAR-OLD MALE

Abstract

Introduction: A small-cell lung carcinoma is an aggressive form of lung cancer that is strongly associated with cigarette smoking and tends to early disseminate in the body. It represents about 20 per cent of all lung cancer. Increasing evidence has implicated autocrine growth loops, proto-oncogenes, and tumour-suppressor genes in its development as well as cigarette smoking, exposure to occupational carcinogens such as radon, asbestos, arsenic, crystalline silicon and benzopyrene e.t.c.

Materials and Methods: This case study reports the management of suspected small lung cell cancer in a resource-limited centre diagnosed from transthoracic pleural biopsy in a 26-year-old male who had a history of cigarette smoking from preteen years (9 years). He was stabilized at the emergency with insertion of chest tube, antibiotics, analgesics and oxygen but couldn't commence treatment for lung cancer owing to the late diagnostic test done as a result of severe financial constraints and died three weeks post-hospital admission.

Results: This case shows that early exposure to risk factors associated with lung cancer such as cigarette smoking, exposure to harmful chemicals in Plaster of Paris can lead to aggressive lung cancers like small cell lung cancer in young people.

Recommendations: Increase public awareness of tobacco smoking in all age groups, adequate healthcare financing and insurance schemes and adequate funding for small cell lung cancer research to improve and promote prevention, early detection and proper treatment of the disease.