Lung Cancer Treatments

Surgery

Surgery involves removing the tumor and nearby tissue. Lymph nodes may also need to be removed. The type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor, such as:

• Segmental or wedge resection—removal of only a small part of the lung
• Lobectomy —removal of an entire lobe of the lung
• Pneumonectomy—removal of an entire lung

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is 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 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

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is 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.

Promising New Treatments

These two types of treatments are not yet widely used. The National Cancer Institute considers these potential therapies:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)—a type of laser therapy. A chemical is injected into the bloodstream. It is then absorbed by the cells of the body. The chemical rapidly leaves normal cells. It will remain in cancer cells for a longer time. A laser aimed at the cancer activates the chemical. This chemical then kills the cancer cells that have absorbed it. This treatment may also be used to reduce symptoms.
• Cryosurgery—a treatment that freezes and destroys cancer tissue