Lung cancer treatments are based on consultations with the doctor on what would work for one’s condition and stage. Some of the crucial factors that it will depend on the type of lung cancer, what stage it is in, how much it has spread, what are the possible side effects of each treatment, age, and other health conditions. This is one of the most important conversations one will have with their doctor after diagnosis for lung cancer is confirmed, and therefore, it is important that one not only knows about the treatment options available but also understand how it could affect the body.

Some of the most common forms of lung cancer treatment include the following:

1. Surgery
This is the most obvious course of treatment if one is diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and if it has not spread to other parts of the body. The main process would be to remove the part of the lung that carries the tumor and any tissue around it that has been affected. In some cases, there might be a need to remove an entire lung. In addition, the doctor would also recommend undergoing chemotherapy or radiation after the surgery. After the surgery, there will be a recovery period needed and the good news is that there are quite a few non-invasive techniques available for ensuring there is minimal damage on the outside and also resulting in the removal of the tumor. However, if the diagnosis is that of small cell lung cancer, then surgery may not really be an option.

2. Radio-frequency ablation
This is a course of action when the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer cannot have surgery as a treatment option. The process involves using a thin needle that will work its way through the skin and reach the insides of the lung that carries the tumor. A shock wave in the form of an electric current is then used for radiation to hinder the growth and kill the cancer cells.

3. Radiation
This is a lung cancer treatment method by which high-energy X-ray frequency is used to destroy the tumor; this is used for both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. This is done on a periodic schedule in batches ranging from a few days to weeks. This may also be a technique that the doctor may deem necessary to shrink the tumor before surgery or use it post-surgery to scale off any of the remnant damaged tissues. This may also be done alongside chemotherapy. The two main symptoms of lung cancer, i.e., bleeding and pain are quite controlled through the use of this treatment method.

4. Chemotherapy
This is the most common option for any form of lung cancer; it uses a high quantity of medications to help kill the cancer cells. Depending on the severity of each case, the doctor will prescribe this form of lung cancer treatment either as a stand-alone or in combination with other forms of treatment.