Treatments for Lung Cancer

Treatment for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Surgery may be an option for early stages of non-small cell lung cancer. However, this depends on its location; the tumor may be located in an area of the lung that prevents surgical removal. Chemotherapy and radiation may be given prior to surgery to try to shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be ordered after surgery to kill any cancer cells missed during the procedure.

Sometimes radiation or chemotherapy is used as the primary treatment for lung cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be ordered to help control symptoms.

Treatment for Small Cell Cancer

Small cell cancer is usually treated with radiation and chemotherapy when the disease is caught early. Later, when there is more extensive disease, chemotherapy may be used alone, with radiation used after if the chemotherapy has made the tumor shrink considerably or completely.

All Treatments for Lung Cancer

Select a topic below for a thorough discussion of each lung cancer treatment option:
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Existing treatment protocols have been established and continue to be modified through clinical trials. These research studies are essential to determine whether or not new treatments are both safe and effective. Since highly effective treatments for many cancers remain unknown, numerous clinical trials are always underway around the world. You may wish to ask your doctor if you should consider participating in a clinical trial. You can find out about clinical trials at the government website ClinicalTrials.gov .