Lung Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment is changing all the time. New advancements, studies and procedures are enough to make anyone's head spin. If at all possible, take a loved one with you to help take notes at doctors appointments. Be sure to follow the recommendations of your doctor and speak up if you have any questions at all.  Our cancer care specialists at the Saint Francis Cancer Center want to help you through your cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Lung Cancer Diagnosis - Now What?

Depending on your age, type and stage of lung cancer, your oncologist will recommend one or even a combination of several types of lung cancer treatment. Common treatment options include:

Surgery: most commonly used for lung cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body. Surgery can be done in several ways:

• Wedge resection: the surgeon removes the tumor and a small part of the lung.
• Lobectomy: the surgeon removes the lobe of the lung containing the tumor. This is the most common surgery for lung cancer.
• Pneumonectomy: The surgeon removes the entire lung. Patients are able to breathe with their remaining lung.

Chemotherapy: the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. This may be given in many forms, including pill, injection and via a catheter. Chemotherapy is often used to kill lung cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body

Radiation therapy: the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This may also be used to relieve symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Radiation therapy may be:

• External: directed at the tumor from a source outside the body (more common for treating lung cancer)
• Internal: radioactive materials placed into the body in or near the cancer cells

Targeted therapy: includes drugs or other substances used to block the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Learn More About Lung Cancer

What is Lung Cancer? 
Lung Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors 
Lung Cancer Symptoms 
Lung Cancer Tests and Diagnosis