Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage and whether is has spread to other parts of the body. There are two main types of lung cancer – about 25% of lung cancers are considered small cell lung cancer which grow rapidly but usually respond well to chemotherapy and radiation especially in early stages. All other cancers are considered non-small cell lung cancers (and include adenocarcinomal/bronchoavalar, squamous and large cell).
- Surgery (Thoracotomy) – Surgery is the preferred treatment for patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer. A part of the lung or the entire lung is removed based on the size and location of the tumor. Lung surgery is major surgery that requires weeks to months of recovery. Lung cancer often returns within two years after surgery, so patients should be checked every 3 to 4 months for two years and every 6 to 12 months thereafter.
- Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy – For patients have inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer or are not candidates for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can be used to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms and may even cure cancer in a small number of patients.
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