Getting Treatment for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a serious and life-threatening illness that affects many people across the world. There were more than 2.2 million cases of lung cancer recorded in 2020, making it one of the most deadly cancers.

It has a high mortality rate, and often, there are no early symptoms present, making it extremely difficult to detect in the very early stages when treatment may be more successful. In this article, we will explore the various treatment options available for lung cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, and immune therapy. We will also discuss potential side effects and other considerations when considering each course of treatment.

Choosing Treatment Options

There are different treatments available for lung cancer that can help improve chances of survival, but the best option will depend on the type of lung cancer you have. The two main types are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Research into lung cancer is continually looking for new treatments, such as H358 tumor models for non-small cell lung cancer with a KRAS mutation. This allows more targeted treatments to be developed, which improves treatment success rates.

Surgery

Surgery is often one of the first lines of defense against lung cancer as it offers the possibility of removing all or some of the tumor. Depending on the stage and type of lung cancer being treated, there may be a variety of surgical approaches available ranging from partial removal to complete lobectomy (removal) or pneumonectomy (removal of a lobe). However, certain types of lung cancers such as small cell or adenocarcinoma may not be amenable to surgical intervention due to their placement in critical areas. In these cases, alternative treatments may be necessary.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves administering drugs that target specific cells. The chemicals are designed to kill rapidly growing cells found in tumors (cancerous or non-cancerous). Chemotherapy may be administered alone or in combination with other treatments including surgery or radiation therapy; this approach is termed adjuvant chemotherapy. 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays directed precisely at a lung tumor in order to destroy its cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation therapy carries risks such as skin burns, inflammation, fibrosis, and nerve damage.

Photodynamic Therapy PDT

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a type of medical treatment used for lung cancer, as well as other conditions such as acne. In this procedure, a light-activated drug called a photosensitizer is injected into the body and absorbed into cancerous or unhealthy tissue. A laser or another special type of light is then applied to the area being treated, activating the drug and destroying the target cells. PDT can be used to shrink tumors.

Immune Therapy

Immunotherapy is a type of medical treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight diseases and infections.

It can be used to treat some forms of cancer. It works by stimulating the body’s own natural defenses to help it recognize and destroy tumor cells. Immunotherapy can be used in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other treatments to enhance their effectiveness.

Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor will discuss your treatment options. Be sure to ask questions and look into clinical trials in your area.

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