Although lung cancer remains the most common type of cancer among both men and women, advancements in treatment have led to longer survival than ever before after treatment. Improvements in lung cancer screening have also contributed to better outcomes.
When it comes to treating lung cancer, there are several approaches depending on the type and stage of the disease. Your oncologist will work with the surgeon to determine if surgery is right for you. Here is what you should know about lung cancer surgery before starting a treatment plan.
Determining Whether Lung Cancer Surgery Is a Suitable Treatment Option
Surgery is a common approach for early-stage lung cancer, while patients with more advanced cancer might benefit from a different type of lung cancer treatment as the primary approach. When cancer cells have spread throughout the lungs or to other organs, surgery is not as effective at removing all of the cancer.
It's a good idea to consult with a medical oncologist first. They will typically lead your cancer care team which also includes the surgeon, radiation oncologist and pulmonologist. If surgery is recommended, you will likely meet separately with a thoracic (chest) surgeon, who will explain the specific surgical procedure they have chosen and why. The appropriate type of surgery generally depends on the lung cancer type, its stage, and its location in the lung. Your medical oncologist and lung cancer surgeon work together to determine the timing of treatments and any therapies that would be best you may need before or after surgery.
Related reading: What You Should Know About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer
Surgical Options for Lung Cancer
There are several surgical procedures available to treat lung cancer. Lung cancer surgery involves removing the tumor, nearby lymph nodes, and a margin of healthy lung tissue. The specific type of surgery you will have depends on the size of lung cancer and how far it has spread. Your cancer surgeon may recommend one of the following options:
- Lobectomy: This is the most common type of lung cancer surgery. The procedure involves removing a whole lung lobe. There are several lobes within the lungs. Since not all lobes are essential for breathing, this surgery can be very effective if the cancer is confined to a single lobe. Ongoing clinical trials are studying whether less invasive surgeries can achieve similar outcomes for tumors two centimeters in size or smaller.
- Wedge resection: This procedure is commonly used when an entire lung lobe cannot be removed. The surgeon removes the tumor and a wedge-shaped margin of surrounding lung tissue. Sometimes, cancer cells may linger in the portion of the lobe that is not removed.
- Segmentectomy: This technique is similar to wedge resection but requires the removal of more lung tissue and lymph nodes. Segmentectomy is effective when an entire lobe cannot be removed.
- Pneumonectomy: This approach involves removing the entire lung and is typically used when the tumor is located near the center of the chest. Because this surgery carries higher risks than a lobectomy, your lung cancer specialist will evaluate your heart and lung health to determine if this surgery is a suitable option for you.
How Is Lung Cancer Surgery Performed?
Surgeons can approach lung cancer surgery in two ways: open surgery (thoracotomy) or minimally invasive surgery (thoracoscopic or robotic surgery). When possible, minimally invasive surgery will be used.
- Minimally invasive thoracic surgery: This method requires only a few small incisions to reach the chest. Surgeons can perform this procedure as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which uses a camera and special instruments, or with surgical robotic assistance. Due to the smaller incisions, this approach often leads to quicker recovery for patients.
- Thoracotomy: This technique involves making a large incision between the ribs to access the lungs. This technique allows the surgeon better visibility to remove tissue as needed.
Preparing For Lung Cancer Surgery
What to Expect Before Surgery
Your lung cancer specialist will need to make sure you are healthy enough for lung cancer surgery. Before surgery, they perform tests that check your lung function. If the results show you can go ahead with the surgery, you'll receive instructions on what foods, drinks, and medications you must take or avoid before the procedure.
If you smoke, now is an excellent time to quit. If needed, consider seeking help from organizations such as the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line or the Washington State Quitline.
Related reading: 6 Tips to Quit Smoking and Reduce Lung Cancer Risk
This is also the right time to determine your post-surgery support system. Friends and family who can assist you after surgery can help make the recovery process much smoother.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery time can vary based on the type of surgery, the amount of lung tissue removed, and your health before the operation. Your care team wants you to regain your strength so you can return to daily life quickly. To help make this possible, you will be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery. You may also receive breathing treatments to help improve lung function. Before you leave the hospital, your oncologist or nurse will provide instructions for at-home care.
Relying on your support system at home will allow you to focus on your recovery. Your primary goal should be to complete physical therapy exercises to help you regain lung capacity. Let your friends and family help with chores like meal preparation, grocery shopping, and cleaning. Talk with your doctor about whether you should avoid any activities in addition to smoking.
Many patients experience shortness of breath for a time after surgery. Depending on the extent of your surgery, this could improve or be permanent. If you experience any physical pain, emotional distress, or discomfort that requires palliative care, talk with your care team. Palliative care can help manage symptoms and side effects, improving your quality of life.
Possibility of Additional Treatments After Lung Cancer Surgery
Even after a successful surgery, other treatments are often needed, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy. Any other lung cancer treatment you receive after surgery aims to ensure that all of the cancer cells are destroyed.
Related reading: Using Radiation Therapy for Treating Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Care and Treatment in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington
If you were diagnosed with lung cancer, the lung cancer specialists at Compass Oncology are here to support you. We carefully assess your diagnosis to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. We encourage patients who live in the Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, areas to request an initial consultation or a second opinion at one of our cancer centers.
