The options for patients:
The various types and stages of lung carcinomas require a different approach for optimum treatment. In recent years, the quality and quantity of available treatments has grown, giving more opportunity for successful treatment.
Doctors will review the particular treatment recommended for your type of cancer, but this overview can help you understand your options and ask better questions as your doctor reviews your treatment plan.
Surgical Options
For Stage 0 and Stage 1 lung non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), often surgical resection (removal) of tumors may be in order. Non-small cell cancers tend to form more distinct tumors with distinct margins. The level of surgery depends on the size and number of the tumors. The different levels of surgery as outlined by the Mayo Clinic Oncology Department include: Mediastinoscopy, Thoracoscopy, Wedge resection, Lobectomy, Pneumonectomy, and Sleeve resection.
Unfortunately, for NSCLC past Stage 1 and small cell carcinomas, surgical options are generally not effective. However, there are several other available and effective lung cancer treatments.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapies are varied and provide a broad spectrum of potential treatments. These therapies may be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. A board-certified radiation oncology specialist should be the one to draft your radiation treatment plan. That plan may include one or more of the available treatments, including: Brachytherapy, Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) or Radiofrequency ablation (RF ablation).
