How fast does a small cell cancer in the lung grow?

[MissVick48]

I had a pet scan l year ago  and there was  nothing there    Should I  get another  this year??  a  CT   showed 3x3  non calcalificed pulmonary  nodule    

[MissVick48]

what are small subcentimeter prevascular lymph nodes  seen in the mediastinum   and cloud it be  related  to the other pulmonary nodule   thanks    vicki

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

A non calcified pulmonary nodule should be evaluated properly.  A PET scan can help in determining if that nodule has malignant tendencies or to look for other areas that might harbor the same growth.  However, a more definitive procedure would require a biopsy as this is the most accurate way to establish the nature of that tumor.  With regards to your question of how fast small cell cancer grows (I'm not saying you have it), it grows faster than the non-small cell variant and has more metastatic potential.  1-2 months can spell the difference between a limited stage and an extensive stage of the disease.

Hope this helps.  Regards and God bless...