Most Effective Treatments of Lung Cancer 2011

According to MayoClinic.com, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, claiming more lives than colon, prostate, ovarian, lymph and breast cancers combined. Lung cancer may be asymptomatic in its early stages. Symptoms of advanced disease can include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain. Lung cancer treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health status.

Surgery

Several surgical options are available to provide effective treatment of lung cancer. The type of procedure recommended may depend on the location and size of the tumor within the lung. In the early stages, a wedge or segmental resection can remove the affected area of the lung and some of the surrounding tissue. In more advanced cases, removal of the affected lobe or entire lung may be recommended. During surgery, the adjacent lymph nodes may be removed for dissection to help determine if the cancer has spread beyond the lung.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of strong medications to kill cancer cells and keep them from spreading. Chemotherapy may be given intravenously or in the form of a pill. A combination of drugs is usually given in a series of treatments over a period of weeks or months, with breaks in between so that the body can recover, explains MayoClinic.com. Chemotherapy may be given in conjunction with surgery and/or radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be used prior to surgery to shrink an existing tumor. This type of therapy uses high beam X-rays to kill cancer cells. It can be given externally from a machine placed outside of the body, or internally through the surgical implantation of radioactive wires, rods, or seeds at or near the affected area. According to the National Cancer Institute, radiation treatments are usually given 5 days a week for several weeks.