Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are all classified as a treatment for lung cancer. The treatment for lung cancer that you take will be based upon your personal information such as your general overall health, the position and size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread past the lungs into other parts of the body and the type of lung cancer that you have. Your doctor will educate you about every treatment for lung cancer that is being considered. The treatment for lung cancer that is chosen will generally be determined by you and a team of specialists. This team will include an oncologist, lung cancer surgeon, specialist nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietian and perhaps a psychologist or counselor.

Treatment for Cancer: Small Cell

Individuals who have small cell lung cancer will usually undergo chemotherapy. This is a common treatment for lung cancer. Chemotherapy can enable a person with small cell lung cancer to live longer. It can also help them control their symptoms. Chemotherapy is sometimes given in conjuction with radiotherapy, or it can be given on its own. Surgery is another treatment for lung cancer although it may not be performed in the later stages of cancer. If the type of lung cancer is small cell cancer and is caught very early surgery may be an option.

Treatment for Cancer: Non-small cell

Non small cell cancer has different stages. During stage one cancer may be removed with surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy is sometimes used to try to prevent the cancer from returning.

It is sometimes possible to do surgery on stage two non small cell cancer. Radiotherapy is used for people who do not have surgery. Chemotherapy is often given in addition to surgery and/or radiotherapy.

It is sometimes not possible to remove the cancer in stage three of non small cell lung cancer. This is because the cancer may have spread. Radiotherapy can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Stage four non small cell lung cancer is usually the stage when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used to shrink the cancer and to help the cancer patient maintain a good life for as long as it is possible.

Decisions

It can be very difficult to make decisions in regards to treatment for lung cancer. Your doctor may give you a couple of options to choose from in regards to treatment. Before you make a choice you should make sure you are educated about each treatment for lung cancer, what it entails and the side effects that come along with each. Your doctor will be open to discussing the pros and cons of each treatment. Remember to write down any questions that you may think of at home. Bring this list with you when you visit your doctor.