What is Lung cancer?
Lung cancer refers to the development of cancerous cells within the lungs. This condition originates in the lung tissues and can potentially metastasize, spreading to nearby lymph nodes or other organs in the body, including the brain.
Treatment
Managing lung cancer treatment involves collaboration among a multidisciplinary team of specialists from various departments. These professionals work collectively to deliver optimal therapy. This team includes healthcare professionals responsible for diagnosing, staging the cancer, and developing the most suitable treatment plan.
Treatment for lung cancer varies depending on its type and stage. It may involve surgery, chemotherapy or other medications, radiation therapy, local treatments such as laser therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Combination treatment, also known as multimodality treatment, involves utilizing more than one type of treatment simultaneously or sequentially.
Treatment plans are tailored to each individual's specific condition and may involve a combination of these approaches to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Surgery
Surgery constitutes a crucial component of the treatment regimen for early-stage lung cancers. The specific type of surgery employed depends on factors such as the size and location of the tumour within the lung, the extent of cancer spread, the overall health status of the patient, and other pertinent considerations.
Types of lung cancer surgeries include:
- Segmental or wedge resection: Removal of a small portion of the lung containing the tumor.
- Lobectomy: Removal of an entire lobe of the lung affected by cancer.
- Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung.
- Sleeve resection: Removal of a segment of the bronchus followed by reattachment of the lung to the remaining portion of the bronchus.
Chemotherapy
While surgery and radiation therapy target specific areas of the body, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that circulates throughout the body to target tumor cells wherever they may be. Typically administered via intravenous infusion, chemotherapy disrupts the ability of cancer cells to grow or multiply. Various groups of drugs operate in diverse ways to combat cancer cells.
The oncologist will tailor a treatment plan to suit each individual's condition. Chemotherapy may be administered before or after other treatments, or it may be used as a standalone therapy for lung cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, often employed as a standard treatment for lung cancer, utilizes high-energy X-rays to eradicate cancerous cells. External radiotherapy is typically administered, involving radiation emitted from a machine to target and destroy the cancer cells.
Chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer
Combining chemotherapy and radiotherapy concurrently, known as chemoradiotherapy, is a common approach in the treatment of both small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer. This comprehensive treatment regimen integrates chemotherapy and radiotherapy to combat the cancerous cells effectively.
Targeted and immunotherapy
Targeted cancer drugs function by explicitly targeting the unique characteristics of cancer cells that facilitate their growth and survival. Conversely, immunotherapies enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Certain medications have dual functionality, serving as targeted agents and collaborators with the immune system to combat cancer.
Speak to our team about Lung Cancer
Are you or a loved one facing a diagnosis of lung cancer? Our dedicated team of experts is here to provide comprehensive support, guidance, and personalized care throughout your journey. Whether seeking information, exploring treatment options, or needing emotional support, we are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and resources you need.
Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists from various fields who collaborate to tailor a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and circumstances. We understand that each individual's experience with lung cancer is different, and we are here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the process.
At Apex Hospitals, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centred care that prioritizes your needs and preferences. Schedule a consultation with our team today and take the first step towards a brighter future with lung cancer.
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