Options for Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer can spread quickly to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment has the best prognosis. New developments and options for lung cancer treatment exist today. A lung cancer patient should speak with healthcare professionals to find the right treatment option. Many times different combination treatments are tried. New medications, surgeries and radiation procedures can aggressively treat this illness with fewer side effects on the patient. Follow treatment recommendations promptly and religiously.
- Make an appointment with your family physician if you have any unusual lung ailments. Your physician will perform an exam and do any routine blood testing. Family physicians will make referrals to the appropriate doctors if lung cancer is suspected.
- Expect to be seen by an oncologist who specializes in cancers. This doctor will evaluate the progress and stage of the lung cancer.
- Know that lung cancer can be treated in a variety of ways. Sometimes treatments are combined depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
- Understand that surgery may be a treatment for certain types of lung cancer. Usually this is reserved for non-small cell cancers.
- Be advised that you will be referred to a lung surgeon if surgery is the recommended treatment. Depending on the cancer a wedge resection in which a small area of lung tissue is removed may be performed. Other options are lobectomies in which a section of the lung called a lobe is removed. A total removal of the lung as well as a surgery that removes the lung with a portion of the bronchus may be indicated.
- Note that chemotherapy is a common treatment for lung cancers. Generally this is given in pill form or the patient undergoes intravenous infusion drugs. There are different forms of chemotherapy.
- Become familiar with the various forms of radiation therapies if your lung cancer is in an advanced stage. There are various methods used and some have lower side effects.
- Follow the advice of your treatment team.