Surgery is the treatment option for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. It might be the best option as it provides high chances of curing the disease. But, as lung cancer surgery is a complex process and may have serious consequences, it should be done by experienced surgeon. Surgery involves removal of tumor. But in some cases, surgery alone may not be enough to get rid of tumor completely. Radiation, chemotherapy or other treatments after surgery can help to stay patient cancer-free for longer period of time.
The ultimate goal of surgery is to prevent it from returning. It involves removing the tumor and part of airway to save as much of lung as possible. Some cases may also involve the remove the whole lobe containing the tumor and in some cases, removing the entire lung. Though surgery is the best way to improve survival among people with non-small cell lung cancer, but may come back. Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. One can get radiation after surgery to remove cancer cells that have been left behind.
Chemotherapy uses strong medication to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. Getting chemotherapy before or after surgery may lower the risk that your cancer will come back. Your doctor may recommend targeted therapy or immunotherapy as post-surgical treatment options.
Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer may involve a combination of therapies. Surgery is the option for early-stage lung cancer where cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. After performance of surgery, one may need radiation, target therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these treatments to help in recurrence of lung cancer.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. You should contact your healthcare practitioner for any health or medical issues.