5 Procedures for Treatment of Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer is the most dangerous form of cancer and it is responsible for the most number of deaths among all cancers. Fortunately, it is not beyond treatment, especially in its earlier stages. The best type of Lung Cancer Treatment depends on the stage and nature of the cancer. Appropriateness of the recommended treatment depends on the expertise of the Lung Cancer Specialist and goes a long way into 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.

1. Surgery

Surgery is the most common way of treating Lung Cancer. It involves removal of the tumor along with the affected part of the lung. Though this is a popular step, its feasibility largely depends on the stage of the cancer. Surgery is preferably not opted for, if the cancer has spread to other places. The types of surgery for Lung Cancer are determined by the size of the lung tissue which requires to get removed.

The procedure is termed Wedge Resection when only a small part of the lung has to be removed. Lobectomy or Bilobectomy is the removal of an entire lobe of the lung. In extreme cases, the entire lung may be required to be removed, in which case, it is called Pneumonectomy. Both Thoracotomy (large incision) and VATS or Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (small incision) can be used for Lung Cancer Surgery. The side-effects include complications due to surgery and pain.

2. Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy is used in 3 cases. It is used to shrink the tumor before surgery, kill the remaining cancer cells that may be left after surgery, or as the primary method of Cancer Treatment. Radiation Therapy, as the primary treatment, is mostly used when the cancer has spread too far for surgery to be feasible. The radiations can be administered either from outside the body or from right within the tumor.

Radiation Therapy is however a complicated process with a host of side-effects, like skin reactions, sore throat, nausea, pain, tiredness, etc. Reaction to Radio Therapy is usually quite fast but managing the side-effects is the task of an expert.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, just like Radiation Therapy, attempts to destroy the cancerous cells. However, in this case, special drugs are used in place of radiation. The drugs are administered through tablets or intravenous lines. Chemotherapy has a huge risk of killing the healthy cells too leading to side effects like appetite loss, hair loss, fatigue, and more. Chemotherapy is being replaced with targeted therapy which is more accurate in attacking the cancerous cells.

4. Complementary Therapies

Many patients are going for complementary therapies to accompany their regular treatment regime. Techniques like meditation, Yoga, Therapeutic Touch, Ayurved, etc. have shown to lessen the effects of side effects and provide relief. However, it is highly recommended to consult your Lung Specialist on the same.

5. Consultation

Lung Cancer, being fatal, can take a lot of toll on the mental health of the patient and his near and dear ones. The Top Lung Cancer Treatment Centers have facilities for consultation on the same in their own premises or tie ups with those that provide the same.

The above are the some of the methods that are being used to treat cancer. As further study on the matter brings newer facts to light, we are hopefully moving towards a world where Lung Cancer can kill no more. Till that times, ensure good health for your lungs with regular visits to a Lung Specialist.