About Large Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer affects multitudes of people all over the globe. Large cell cancers are particularly aggressive, and patients often do not have symptoms until the later stages of their illness. Unless caught early, treatment for this fast moving cancer is mainly focused on slowing the cancer growth. Many therapies are not as effective against this cancer type. New forms of radiation treatment and some drug therapies are proving promising against this devastating disease.

1. Assess the stage and type of the large cell lung cancer. This cancer generally begins in the central portions of the lung and rapidly spreads. Early detection is crucial to recovery or slowing of this devastating disease.


2. Know that this type of cancer affects approximately 10 percent of cancer patients. Most patients have smoked at some point in their lives. Other causes are air pollution, second hand smoke and exposure to lung irritants.


3. Expect that surgery will be the main course of treatment if the cancer is caught early and is localized. In some cases a portion of the lung can be removed. More advanced cases involve total removal of a lung with lymph node removal.


4. Understand that chemotherapy may be ordered with or without surgery. Chemotherapy is not as effective with large cell carcinoma.


5. Realize that radiation may also be ordered to treat this fast growing cancer. A newer type of radiation, called the CyberKnife, has been beneficial to patients. This type of radiation is focused directly towards the cancer cells and leaves healthier tissues intact. The side effects from the CyberKnife are less than other forms of radiation therapy.


6. Ask physicians and other healthcare workers about any clinical trials and therapies. There are some newer therapies now in the trial stage.


7. Inquire about any new drug therapies being tried. There are some promising new drugs that are targeted to stop the process that causes cancer cells to grow.


8. Prepare for palliative and supportive care if the cancer has spread to other areas.