Surgery for Lung Cancer
Surgery can be done to both diagnose and treat lung cancer. In most cases, surgery is used if the cancer is found in an early stage. You will need to prepare. Work with your doctor to learn more about what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
 |
| Lymph nodes may be removed. |
Mediastinoscopy
A mediastinoscopy can provide a tissue sample that’s used for staging. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a scope through a small incision made in the neck. By looking through the scope, he or she can see lymph nodes. Lymph nodes may be removed and tested. If no cancer is found in them, you may have further surgery (see below). If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, more surgery probably won’t be done.
 |
| Surgery may remove part of a lung. |
Surgery
The goal of surgery is to remove visible areas of cancer. This often requires taking out all or part of a lung. If the cancer is found in an early stage, surgery may cure it. Your doctor will consider the tumor’s size and location in deciding how much of the lung to remove. As with any surgery that uses general anesthesia (makes you sleep), you will be connected to a machine that breathes for you during the procedure.
Risks and Complications
Lung surgery has certain risks and possible complications. These include:
|
Publication Source:
Hensing TA, Hematology/oncology Clinics of North America 19(2), Clinical evaluation and staging of patients who have lung cancer, 38443, pp 219-35
Publication Source:
Ruckdeschel JC, et al, Clinical Oncology, 3rd ed., Chapter 75 - Cancer of the lung: nsclc and sclc, 2004, pp 1678-1679
Online Medical Reviewer:
Trahan, Katherine MD
Date Last Reviewed:
8/2/2004
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002