Popular Procedures for the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the deadliest and responsible for the highest number of deaths among all cancers. But thankfully, it is not beyond treatment, especially in its early stages. The best type of lung cancer treatment depends on the stage and nature of the cancer. The appropriateness of the recommended treatment depends on the experience of the lung cancer specialist and goes a long way towards ensuring a successful recovery. This article provides an overview of the most popular methods of treating lung cancer and the common side effects associated with them.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common way to treat lung cancer. It involves the removal of the tumor along with the affected part of the lung. Although this is a popular step, its viability largely depends on the stage of the cancer. It is preferable not to opt for surgery if the cancer has spread to other places. The types of surgery for lung cancer are determined by the size of the lung tissue that must be removed.

The procedure is called a wedge resection when only a small part of the lung needs to be removed. Lobectomy or bilobectomy is the removal of an entire lobe of the lung. In extreme cases, the entire lung may need to be removed, in which case it is called a pneumonectomy. Both thoracotomy (large incision), VATS, or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (small incision) can be used for lung cancer surgery. Side effects include complications due to surgery and pain.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is used in 3 cases. It is used to shrink the tumor before surgery, kill any remaining cancer cells that may remain after surgery, or as the main method of treating cancer. Radiation therapy, as the primary treatment, is used mainly when the cancer has spread too far for surgery to be feasible. Radiation can be given from outside the body or from inside the tumor.

However, radiation therapy is a complicated process with a number of side effects, such as skin reactions, sore throat, nausea, pain, tiredness, etc. The reaction to radiation therapy is usually quite rapid, but managing side effects is the job of an expert.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, like radiation therapy, tries to kill cancer cells. However, in this case, special drugs are used instead of radiation. Medications are given through tablets or intravenous lines. Chemotherapy also has a great risk of killing healthy cells and leading to side effects such as loss of appetite, hair loss, fatigue, and more. Chemotherapy is being replaced by targeted therapy that is more accurate in targeting cancer cells.

Complementary therapies

Many patients seek complementary therapies to accompany their usual treatment regimen. Techniques such as meditation, Yoga, Therapeutic Touch, Ayurved, etc. have been shown to reduce side effects and provide relief. However, it is strongly recommended to consult your lung specialist about it.

Query

Lung cancer, being fatal, can greatly affect the mental health of the patient and their loved and close ones. The Top Lung Cancer Treatment Centers have consultation facilities about them in their own facilities or linked to those that provide them.

The above are some of the more popular methods used to treat cancer. As more studies on the subject reveal new facts, hopefully we are moving toward a world where lung cancer cannot kill anymore. Until then, ensure good lung health with regular visits to a lung specialist.