Choices for Treatment of Lung Cancer Lung cancer falls into two broad categories. Non small-cell (NSCLC) accounts for a majority of diagnosed cases. It typically shows symptoms early on. Small-cell (SCLC) cases comprise a smaller percentage and are often undetected in the early stages. There is a difference in how each is treated. Staging Each [...]
Lung Cancer Treatments
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Surgery is the primary treatment for patients with early-stage cancer who are in good general health. The goal of surgery is to totally eliminate all the tumor cells and thereby provide a cure. Even if a tumor recurs after an attempt to remove it, the recurrent tumor often can be removed in a second operation. Options typically include one or more treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted drug therapy.
Chemotherapy can be used as a first line treatment for lung cancer or as additional treatment after surgery. In some cases, chemotherapy can be used to lessen side effects of the cancer.
When cure is not a possibility, palliative treatment often is recommended. This is the use of medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other measures to relieve symptoms of lung cancer without actually eliminating the tumor. It is important that radiotherapy be given in small doses so that side effects do not develop. Even though non-surgical treatment is not often curative, it can prolong survival. At some point, if you and your oncologist or primary care physician agree that treatment no longer is advisable, hospice care can provide comfort.