Treatment for Lung Cancer

In US, we only have three types of lung cancer treatment. They are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Surgery: Surgery is usually done for early stages of lung cancer. This process involves in removal of cancer by cutting out lobes (sections) of the lung called lobectomy. Sometimes, the whole lung is removed called pneumonectomy.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is anticancer medication given by injection or mouth. However, it kills cancer cells with normal cells too. Chemotherapy has different kinds of settings. The stronger the setting the greater the side effects will be. If you want a stronger effect from chemotherapy, then the setting will also has to be stronger. Some of its side effects are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of hair, and mouth sores. Chemotherapy cannot cure lung cancer, but only extend ones life an extra two months if treatment is given. The percentage of chemotherapy working for people is about 20%.

Radiation: Radiation is high energy radiation that kills cancer cells. Usually, it only can be use to kill small deposits of cancer. Some of its side effects are skin problems, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and (sometimes) headaches.

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