Author Nik: MorganLeastoning
Name: Michelle Gleckman
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually detected during the course of a routine exam. A doctor might notice an abnormality that shows up on x-rays, or suspect the disease has developed based on the patient’s symptoms (e.g. persistent cough, difficulty breathing, etc.). In nearly one in four cases, the disorder is entirely absent of symptoms, making its detection less likely.
By now, everybody knows that the health risks associated with tobacco use are huge. People who smoke cigarettes are at risk for lung cancer, heart disease, mouth cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, and a host of other health problems. Not to mention smoking causes yellow teeth, wrinkled skin, and stinky clothes and hair.
Surgery for lung cancer (LC) was once performed exclusively through thoracotomy. A long incision was made into the patient’s chest. Then, the ribs were either cut and removed, or spread apart to provide the surgeon with enough working space within the chest cavity. This was the approach taken for wedge resections (removal of a portion of the tissue) lobectomies (removal of a lobe), and pneumonectomies (removal of an entire lung).
Over 85% of diagnosed cases of lung cancer (LC) are attributable to smoking tobacco products. Given that, it is surprising that many people (including those who are directly exposed to cigarette smoke) remain unaware of how the habit influences the onset of the disease. Most people understand the connection; they recognize that smoking can increase the likelihood of developing cancerous cells. Yet, their understanding seldom extends further.
When cancerous cells are identified within your lungs, a surgeon will try to remove the tumor through surgery. Depending on the stage of the disease and its location, the surgeon will perform a wedge resection, lobectomy (removal of a lobe), or pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung).
When many people consider treatment for lung cancer, they initially think of surgery. While a wedge resection, partial or full lobectomy, or pneumonectomy may be necessary, there are other approaches that can be taken to help eliminate cancerous cells. They include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and various targeted therapies. In many cases, doctors will suggest a multi-pronged approach that combines surgical and non-surgical forms of treatment.