Small-cell carcinoma (also known as "small-cell lung cancer", or "oat-cell carcinoma") is a type of highly
malignant cancer that most commonly arises within the
lung, although it can occasionally arise in other body sites, such as the
cervix,
prostate, and gastrointestinal tract. Compared to
non-small cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma has a shorter doubling time, higher growth fraction, and earlier development of metastases.