Lung Cancer Treatment |
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Once a patient is diagnosed with lung cancer it is classified according to its, determined by how advanced the cancer is. The physician usually determines the stage by reviewing chest x-ray, physical exam and lab results.
Surgical treatment is still considered the mainstream treatment. Patients in the early stages (I and II) may be able to find a cure through this treatment. The removal of a lobe of the lung, or possibly a wedge resection of the lung, is most often the type of surgery performed. In the past twenty years surgery for lung cancer has progressed greatly. Through limited this surgery has a relatively low risk. Risk for major problems in this type of surgery are 1 or 2 percent.
Radiation is often followed by radiation treatment. If surgery failed to remove all the cancer, radiation is used to treat the remaining cancer. Complications related to the lymph nodes are involved usually treated with radiation treatment.
Chemotherapy is a vital treatment in lung cancer. Combinations of treatments are usually most effective.
