When is surgery used to treat lung cancer?
ANSWER
The decision to perform surgery is based not only on the type of lung cancer and how far it has spread but also on the patient's overall health, especially the function of their lungs. Many patients with lung cancer -- especially smokers -- have existing lung or heart problems that make surgery difficult. Cancer that has spread to lymph nodes between the lungs was once considered inoperable, but combining surgery with chemotherapy afterwards has improved survival rates.
When feasible, doctors prefer to treat non-small-cell lung cancer surgically. During the operation, the surgeon removes the tumor along with surrounding lung tissue and lymph nodes. Sometimes, the entire lung must be taken out. After surgery, patients stay in the hospital for several days.
From: Understanding Lung Cancer -- Diagnosis and Treatment WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian on February 05, 2019
SOURCES:
National Cancer Institute.
National Institutes of Health.
WebMD Medical Reference from the American College of Physicians: “Section 12 VIII Lung Cancer.”
News release, FDA.
American Cancer Society.
American Lung Association.
SOURCES:
National Cancer Institute.
National Institutes of Health.
WebMD Medical Reference from the American College of Physicians: “Section 12 VIII Lung Cancer.”
News release, FDA.
American Cancer Society.
American Lung Association.
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