Lung Cancer Surgical Treatment

One of the most common cancers in the world is lung cancer. It is a leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Smoking of cigarette causes most lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke ever day and at an earlier age, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, asbestos exposure and radiation may also increase risk of lung cancer. Exposure to second hand smoke can also damage cells and form cancers.

Symptoms of lung cancer:

Many symptoms of lung cancer affect the chest and air passages. Common symptoms of lung cancer are:
• A cough that gets worse and is persistent.
• Constant pain in the chest.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Shortness of hoarseness.
• Hoarseness of voice.
• Swelling of face and neck.
• Coughing up blood.
• Repeated problems with bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Weight loss or loss of appetite.
• Fatigue.

Lung cancer treatment:

Lung cancer treatments depend on:
• The type of lung cancer you have
• Where the cancer is within the lung
• Your health status
• The stage of your cancer
• Results of scans and blood tests

Patients receive a combination of therapies as there is no single treatment for cancer. The main lung cancer treatments are:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

Surgery:

There are various types of surgery treatments for lung cancer. Three major procedures are done to remove lung cancer. These vary from removing only the nearby tissue and cancerous tissue, to complete removal of a lung, depending upon the location and size of tumor. These are:
• Wedge resection (segmental resection): This surgery is done when a tumor is caught very early. It involves removing a portion of the lung that includes the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
• Lobectomy – This is the most common surgery used to treat lung cancer. It involves removing a lobe of the lung.
• Pneumonectomy - This involves removal of an entire lung.

Risks from lung cancer surgery include damage to structures in or near the lungs. It also includes general risks related to surgery, and risks from general anesthesia. The most common risks include:
• Bleeding
• Blood clot
• Collapse of a lung
• Damage to nearby structures
• Risks from general anesthesia
• Infection

After surgery expectations:
• Pain following the surgery which is common.
• The pain will remain for few weeks.
• Proper medication will be provided to control the pain.
• Breathing exercise will be advised by the doctor.