Acupuncture has long been part of traditional Chinese medicine, and its use in Western medicine is growing as patients and practitioners seek complementary therapies for various health conditions. This article aims to educate patients about small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the role of acupuncture in its management, and how Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne, a licensed acupuncturist, can assist in the treatment process.
Epidemiology of SCLC
Small cell lung cancer is a less common but aggressive form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 15% of all lung cancer cases. It primarily affects smokers or former smokers, with a higher incidence in males and older adults over 60 years of age.
Physiopathology of SCLC
SCLC arises from neuroendocrine cells within the lungs. These cells grow rapidly and form tumours that can spread quickly to other parts of the body, making early detection and treatment crucial. The exact cause of SCLC is unknown, but smoking is the most significant risk factor, with exposure to environmental pollutants and a family history of lung cancer also contributing to the risk.
Medical Diagnosis Methods
Diagnosing SCLC involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans. Biopsies may also be performed to confirm the presence of cancerous cells and determine the cancer stage.
Symptoms
Symptoms of SCLC can be subtle and may initially resemble a persistent cold or respiratory infection. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
Yellow and Red Flags
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention:
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss
Management
Treatment options for SCLC depend on the cancer stage and the patient’s overall health. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are the primary treatments, with immunotherapy and targeted therapy as additional options. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with these treatments to help manage side effects and improve overall wellbeing.
Self-Care
Living with SCLC can be challenging, and self-care is vital in managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. Some tips for self-care include:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Prioritising sleep
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques
- Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
Integrative Oncology using acupuncture
Integrative oncology focuses on combining conventional cancer treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies to enhance patients’ wellbeing and quality of life. Acupuncture, as an established complementary therapy, can play a significant role in integrative oncology by helping manage cancer-related symptoms and side effects. By working alongside conventional treatments, acupuncture can contribute to a holistic approach to cancer care, addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional and psychological wellbeing. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that acupuncture can be effective in managing cancer-related symptoms, including pain, nausea, and fatigue. Some studies have also reported improvements in sleep quality, mood, and overall wellbeing in patients undergoing acupuncture treatment.
While these RCTs may not have specifically focused on small cell lung cancer, their findings highlight the potential benefits of acupuncture in managing cancer-related symptoms and side effects across various cancer types. These studies support the use of acupuncture as a complementary therapy to conventional cancer treatments, helping to improve patients’ wellbeing and quality of life.
- Pain relief: An RCT by Chen et al. (2018) found that electroacupuncture significantly reduced cancer-related pain in patients with pancreatic cancer. This study supports the potential role of acupuncture in alleviating pain in cancer patients, including those with small cell lung cancer.
- Nausea and vomiting: Acupuncture has been found to be effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. A review by Garcia et al. (2013) reported that acupuncture and acupressure could help manage these side effects in cancer patients.
- Fatigue: A meta-analysis by Zhang et al. (2018) found that acupuncture had a significant effect on reducing cancer-related fatigue. The analysis included 1,327 participants from 13 RCTs and concluded that acupuncture may be a useful adjunct therapy for managing fatigue in cancer patients.
- Sleep quality: Acupuncture has been reported to improve sleep quality in cancer patients. An RCT by Lu and Rosenthal (2010) found that patients who received acupuncture experienced better sleep and reduced anxiety compared to those who did not receive the treatment.
- Overall wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis by He et al. (2015) demonstrated that acupuncture and acupressure could improve cancer patients’ overall wellbeing. The review included 1,499 participants from 15 RCTs and found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity, nausea, and vomiting.
Conclusion
Acupuncture can provide valuable support in managing symptoms and side effects, improving overall wellbeing and quality of life. Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne offers licensed acupuncture treatments to help patients navigate the challenges of SCLC management, addressing their unique needs and symptoms related to SCLC. By incorporating acupuncture into their treatment plans, patients can experience relief from side effects, improved wellbeing, and enhanced quality of life.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. These may include:
- Mild pain or discomfort at the needle insertion site
- Bruising or bleeding at the needle insertion site
- Infection (rare, if sterile needles are used)
- Dizziness or fainting (rare)
It is essential to discuss any concerns with your acupuncturist before starting treatment. They can provide guidance on how to minimize risks and ensure a positive experience.
Reference Lists
Chen, H., Liu, T. Y., Kuai, L., Zhu, J., Wu, C. J., & Liu, L. M. (2018). Electroacupuncture treatment for pancreatic cancer pain: a randomized controlled trial. Pancreatology, 18(8), 847-854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pan.2018.09.008
Garcia, M. K., Cohen, L., & Spano, M. (2013). Integrative oncology: managing cancer pain with acupuncture. The Journal of Supportive Oncology, 11(1), 6-8. https://doi.org/10.12788/j.suponc.0002
He, Y., Guo, X., May, B. H., Zhang, A. L., Liu, Y., Lu, C., & Xue, C. C. (2015). Clinical evidence for association of acupuncture and acupressure with improved cancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Oncology, 1(1), 57-68. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2014.389
Lu, W., & Rosenthal, D. S. (2010). Acupuncture for cancer pain and related symptoms. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 14(2), 88-97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-010-0096-3
Zhang, Y., Lin, L., Li, H., Hu, Y., & Tian, L. (2018). Effects of acupuncture on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer, 26(2), 415-425. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-4017-y