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Why is small-cell lung cancer also called oat-cell carcinoma?
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Small-cell lung cancer is frequently referred to as oat-cell carcinoma because of the distinct appearance of the malignant cells under a microscope. These cells are characterized by their small, round, or oval shape, which closely resembles the appearance of oat grains. Additionally, these cells are noted for having a high ratio of nuclear material to cytoplasm, with very little cytoplasm present.12