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More details have emerged surrounding the death of 90s actor Dustin Diamond, who died at the young age of 44.

A rep for Diamond confirmed that the actor was admitted to the hospital on January 14 in extreme pain.

“ At this time, we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer. Dustin will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made,” his rep said.

It has now been revealed that the actor was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell carcinoma.

The cancer was so aggressive that it took the actor less than a month to succumb to the disease. Diamond passed away on February 1.

So what makes this form of cancer so aggressive?

According to a recent study, small cell lung carcinoma or SCLC, is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and is describes as being a fast-growing type of lung cancer commonly caused by smoking.

Because the cancer cells tend to grow so quickly, it allows them to travel to the other parts of the body and metastasize more easily. As a result, the condition is usually only diagnosed after the cancer has spread throughout the body, making recovery less likely.

SCLC is typically asymptomatic, and symptoms don’t appear until the cancer has invaded every part of the body.

The symptoms may include:

  • bloody mucus from the lungs
  • shortness of breath
  • wheezing
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • a persistent cough or hoarseness
  • a loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • fatigue
  • facial swelling

If you or someone you know are having any of these symptoms, they should consult a physician immediately.