Lung Cancer includes two main types: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Smoking causes most lung cancers, but nonsmokers can also develop lung cancer. Explore the links on this page to learn more about lung cancer treatment, prevention, screening, statistics, research, clinical trials, and more.
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Choosing the best treatment can be challenging. While your cancer team provides recommendations, the final decision rests with you. Common treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, often administered in combinations based on cancer type and stage.
For non-small-cell cancer confined to one lung and with good general health, surgery to remove cancerous cells is common. This might be followed by chemotherapy for residual cancer. If surgery isn’t feasible due to health risks, radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy may be suggested. If cancer is too advanced for surgery or radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy is typically recommended. In specific mutations, biological or targeted therapies may replace or follow chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy, either alone or with radiotherapy or immunotherapy, is the primary treatment for small-cell cancer. Surgery is generally avoided due to the cancer’s widespread nature. However, in early findings, surgery may be considered, followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy to minimize recurrence risk.
Three types of lung cancer surgery include lobectomy, pneumonectomy, and wedge resection or segmentectomy, each tailored to the cancer’s location and size. Lung surgery requires pre-operative tests like ECG, spirometry, and exercise tests. Surgical methods include traditional incisions or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), a keyhole approach. Post-operation, recovery may take weeks, with exercises to prevent complications.
Radiotherapy involves targeted radiation pulses to eliminate cancer cells. Methods include external beam, stereotactic radiotherapy, and internal radiotherapy. Treatment duration varies, with side effects like chest pain, fatigue, and skin reactions, typically resolving post-treatment.
Chemotherapy uses potent drugs to combat cancer, administered before or after surgery, for symptom relief, or combined with radiotherapy. Cycles involve treatment periods followed by breaks. Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss, which usually resolve post-treatment.
Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells, often combined with chemotherapy. Medicines include pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, administered through a central line or vein. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and skin changes.
Targeted therapies slow non-small-cell cancer spread, contingent on specific proteins in cancerous cells. Side effects may include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
Additional treatments like radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, and photodynamic therapy may be used for specific cases, targeting early-stage cancer, airway blockages, or symptom relief. Each method has unique procedures and potential side effects, which should be discussed with your healthcare team.
Understanding these treatment options and potential side effects can empower you in making informed decisions about your cancer management.
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