How to Explore Surgery for Lung Cancer Treatment

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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A patient diagnosed with lung cancer has abnormal cells growing in or on the lungs. Surgery, which involves removing part or all of a lung, is one of the ways in which lung cancer is treated. Not all types of lung cancer can be treated with surgery, though, so it's important to discuss your specific condition with your doctor to find out whether surgery is a viable option.

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Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Surgery is used generally for early stage cancers. When cancer is confined to one area of the body, many doctors believe surgery may be the best treatment option.
Step 2

Surgery requires the opening of the chest wall to expose the cancerous area.
Step 3

One of three procedures will be performed. A wedge resection of the lung involves the removal of a part of the lung. A lobectomy is the removal of an entire lobe, and a pneumonectomy involves removal of the entire lung. Your course of treatment will depend on where your tumor is located and how advanced it is.
Step 4

Be aware that surgery for lung cancer requires both general anesthetic and hospitalization for several days.
Step 5

Ask your doctor how long your follow-up period is expected be. Some patients only receive postoperative care for a few weeks, while others must come in for several months.
Step 6

Surgery for lung cancer is considered a major operation. You may need to cut down on your physical activities for several months after your surgery.

Tips & Warnings

According to the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, you have the right of access to health care facilities which are capable of handling your surgery and subsequent treatment.
It's normal to feel anxious or fearful before undergoing surgery for lung cancer. You may be nervous about the surgery itself or you may be experiencing anxiety over your diagnosis. Speak with your doctor, who can allay your fears by talking over the procedure with you and possibly prescribing medication to calm your nerves.

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