Lung cancer treatment: discover all options and prognosis

Medically reviewed: 24, January 2024

Lung cancer treatment: most common methods

Lung cancer poses a substantial health challenge and is responsible for a significant number of deaths associated with cancer on a global scale. The focus of this article is exploration of lung cancer symptoms, and also – lung cancer treatment, a multifaceted approach that involves a combination of modalities tailored to the patient’s specific condition.

Lung cancer treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is highly individualized, taking into account factors such as the type and stage of lung cancer, the patient’s overall health status, and their personal preferences.

Lung cancer treatment encompasses a range of approaches that have become the cornerstone in battling this disease.
There are several treatment options available for patients, which encompass a range of medical procedures and therapies. These encompass surgical interventions, chemo- and radiation therapy, also – immunotherapy as well as targeted therapy are very common methods of lung cancer treatment.

Surgery, a conventional method, entails the physical extraction of the tumor and is commonly utilized in the initial stages of lung cancer. On the other hand, radiation therapy and chemotherapy employ high-energy rays and anti-cancer drugs, respectively, to either individually or synergistically destroy cancerous cells. More recently, immunotherapy and also a targeted therapy have emerged as promising treatments for lung cancer. Targeted therapy involves the precise targeting of cancer cells, while immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system to combat cancer. These advanced treatment modalities have revolutionized the field of lung cancer care, offering patients a greater range of options for effectively combating this devastating disease.

Lung cancer causes

In the case of most cancers, it is more correct to talk not about the causes, but about the risk factors. They do not lead to cancer 100%, but they increase the risk of getting sick:

• As we mentioned, the main risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. Moreover, not only active, but also passive. If someone smokes around you all the time, your health is at risk. Tobacco smoke contains more than 60 substances that adversely affect the bronchial mucous and cause its change, the likelihood of cancer is directly dependent on the “experience” of smoking, when smoking cessation, the risk of cancer decreases. Secondhand smoke – inhalation of air with impurities from tobacco smoking is also a factor in the occurrence of lung cancer, if there are smokers in the family or at work, the risk of cancer increases by 15-30%;
• Some people in the workplace come into contact with substances such as asbestos, nickel, chromium, arsenic. These carcinogens increase the risk of lung cancer.
• Some people have an inherited inheritance. Risks are increased if a parent or sibling is diagnosed with a cancer in the lungs.
• Soil, rocks and water contain small amounts of uranium. It breaks down to form radon gas, which is then released into the air. It sometimes accumulates indoors in hazardous concentrations. Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed as a result of the decay of uranium in natural conditions, can be present in the air in areas where there is a lot of granite, as well as in building materials.
• The influence of asbestos – asbestos, a representative of a group of minerals of natural origin, is a part of various products (fabric, cardboard, building materials, paper), penetration into the body occurs by inhalation of air with asbestos dust.
• Dust particles – an increase in their concentration in the inhaled air occurs in large cities and industrial centers, in some industries.
• Viruses – there is evidence of the ability of a number of viruses to cause lung cancer in humans, among them – human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, JC virus.
• Chronic inflammatory diseases of the bronchi and lungs – arising from chronic pathological processes (chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis), changes can cause malignant degeneration of the epithelium.

Lung cancer prognosis after treatment

The seriousness of the prognosis of the future life with diagnosed lung cancer for life is obvious. Usually, a five-year survival rate is used to assess the prognosis of a tumor, it depends on the type of tumor, the stage of the disease and the presence (prevalence) of metastases.

In the early stages of the disease (non-small cell lung cancer in the first stage), a 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is observed in about 60% of patients; in stage II – in about 40% of patients, in stage IIIa – in about 15%. In the later stages of the lung cancer, the chances of achieving 5-year survival tend to zero.

Small cell lung cancer is the most “evil” of the known types of lung tumors, depending on the prevalence, giving from 1 to 5% 5-year survival rate. At the same time, it is most sensitive to both chemotherapy and radiation therapy, therefore, early treatment significantly improves the prognosis for stage 1-3 small cell lung cancer.

Successful treatment of non-small cell lung cancer depends on adequate surgical intervention. Timely use of modern polychemotherapy regimens in conjunction with targeted drugs increases life expectancy to 6–8 months, and in 20–25% of patients – over a year.

Types of malignant lung tumors

The choice of these or those methods of treatment strongly depends on what type of lung cancer is found in the patient. There are two main types, depending on how cancer cells look under a microscope:

The most common non-small cell lung cancer, which includes different subtypes of tumors: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma.

Small cell lung cancer is less common. It is found almost exclusively in smokers.

Lung cancer metastases

Lung cancer metastasizes by lymphogenous, hematogenous and implantation pathways. The anatomical features of the lung structure (a large number of lymphatic and blood vessels) create conditions for the early spread of metastases and massive metastasis.

Most often, pulmonary (located in the thickness of the lung tissue along the bronchi, vessels), bronchopulmonary and tracheobronchial (localized along the bronchi and trachea), bifurcation (in the area of ​​the trachea division into bronchi) lymph nodes are affected. In the later stages of the disease, supra- and subclavian lymph nodes are affected. Therefore, during surgery, these lymphatic collectors are removed.

Hematogenous spread of the tumor is usually preceded by the involvement of the lymph nodes in the pathological process. This type of metastasis differs in individuality – it may be the only focus outside the primary localization of the tumor, as well as be extensive. Quite often, an intensive growth of secondary foci is detected. Most often, metastasis is observed in small cell lung cancer.

The most common routes of metastasis in lung cancer are:

• regional lymph nodes (pulmonary, supra- and subclavian);
• liver;
• kidneys;
• adrenal glands;
• bones;
• brain.

Diagnostics

Research methods used for suspected lung cancer are aimed at determining the localization of the tumor, establishing its type and structure, the clinical form of the disease, as well as assessing the functions of vital organs and body systems. The results make it possible to build an adequate treatment regimen and determine the prognosis of the disease.

The main methods for detecting a tumor are currently:

• general clinical examination (identification of characteristic symptoms);
• X-ray examination;
• ultrasound;
• CT, MRI;
• laboratory diagnostics;
• bronchoscopy (with biopsy during the procedure);
• transthoracic biopsy (if it is not informative or impossible to conduct a biopsy during bronchoscopy, tumor tissue is taken through the chest);
• determination of tumor markers.

X-ray examination for lung cancer diagnostics

The main method for detecting lung cancer.

Currently, the following X-ray techniques have been used:

• fluorography (screening diagnostic method);
• plain chest x-ray in frontal and lateral projections;
• sighting radiography (snapshot of the tumor site);
• X-ray tomography (computed tomography – obtaining a layer-by-layer image of the chest organs).

The use of modern X-ray equipment makes it possible to detect a malignant neoplasm with a peripheral location of about 1 cm, with a central location – about 2 cm.You can also determine the features of the relationship of the tumor with other anatomical structures, the degree of spread of the neoplasm and germination into adjacent tissues.

Aiming radiography – radiography of an organ or part of it in a projection that provides the best image of a pathological focus for diagnosis. Such images are often used when examining the apex of the lung, which is associated with the peculiarities of their location (soft tissues, closely located bone structures). Sighting images allow you to assess the structure of the lung tissue and its changes, to detect foci of decay and spread of the pathological process that are not visible on ordinary images.

X-ray tomography or computed tomography is an informative research method used to solve complex diagnostic problems (detection of metastases, assessment of the prevalence of neoplasms) when other X-ray methods do not provide the necessary information.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy (tracheobronchoscopy) is a method of endoscopic examination using special optical instruments, which makes it possible to examine the trachea and bronchi and directly visualize the tumor, conduct a biopsy (obtaining a tissue fragment for research), and establish the extent of the neoplasm.

The fiberoptic bronchoscope – the instrument used to perform this study – allows you to enlarge the image, display it on the monitor, make a photo and video for further detailed research.

It is most often used to diagnose central lung cancer, which is detected endoscopically in 80-100% of cases, even with a tumor diameter of less than one cm.

Sputum cytoscopy

Cytoscopy (cytological examination) – examination of sputum using a microscope. It is used to verify the established diagnosis. It has a fairly high information content in central lung cancer (50-85%), with peripheral cancer its information content is lower (30-50%). Its use is justified in the case of differential diagnosis of lung diseases with a similar X-ray picture.

To obtain the correct research result, it is important to collect the material correctly. For analysis, only the morning portion of sputum, which the patient collected on an empty stomach, is suitable.

How can you help a lung cancer patient?

Unfortunately, the psychological shock caused by the diagnosis of cancer in general and lung cancer in particular deprives many people of the ability to soberly assess the situation and trust little or even completely untested methods of traditional medicine.

Around the treatment of lung oncology, there are many myths without any basis about the effectiveness of treatment with a birch mushroom, burdock tinctures, calendula with chamomile, vodka with propolis, up to the most anecdotal methods.

Lung cancer treatment options

Modern evidence-based medicine in the rationale for the treatment of lung oncology is based on a strictly scientific rationale for the use of certain protocols. The basis of the choice made by the attending physician is the morphological characteristics of the tumor, its prevalence, the presence or absence of metastases, the general condition of the patient.

It is well known that the small cell variant of the disease responds better to chemotherapy treatment, while the non-small cell variant requires surgery or combination regimens, depending on the stage and prevalence.

In addition to surgical treatment for lung cancer, various radiation therapy programs can be used in combination with chemotherapy. Psychological difficulties and emotional experiences that arise in the patient and relatives will be helped by psycho-oncologists.

Treatment methods at different stages of the disease:

Lung cancer treatment on 1st and 2nd stages

Complex treatment of stage 1-2 lung cancer usually includes such methods as surgery and radiation therapy.

The volume of surgical intervention depends on the stage and location of the neoplasm.

The disadvantages of this approach include its trauma and a high risk of postoperative complications, and the advantages include the possibility of a radical solution to the problem.

Often it is impossible to carry out a standard operation. Among the contraindications for surgical intervention:

• decompensated forms of heart and respiratory failure;
• proximity of the heart, aorta and other large vessels, nerve plexuses;
• intolerance to drugs, etc.

In such cases, they resort to stereotaxic radiosurgery: high-precision irradiation of the focus with large doses of radiation (CyberKnife radiation therapy). If necessary, this method is combined with the appointment of a course of simulated intensity radiation therapy (RT).

The main advantages of these innovative technologies include:

• minimal damage to healthy tissues;
• the possibility of increasing the radiation dose to a therapeutically effective one.

To consolidate the results of radiosurgery and radiation therapy, chemotherapy is used (if indicated).

In small cell lung cancer, courses of radiation therapy and chemotherapy (thiophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil) are usually prescribed.

The most effective treatment is stage 0-1 squamous cell lung cancer: the prognosis is positive for all types, most patients go into permanent remission. When stage 2 cancer is detected, it is difficult to give an unambiguous prognosis: it all depends on the type of disease.

Methods of lung cancer treatment used in stages 3-4

Complex treatment for stage 3 lung cancer with metastases to regional lymph nodes includes a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In addition, according to the indications, the patient is provided with symptomatic assistance (therapeutic punctures of the pleural cavity to remove the fluid collected in it, the appointment of hemostatic agents for bleeding, etc.).

The treatment methods for stage 4 lung cancer with metastases to distant organs are similar, including the elimination of associated symptoms. Therapeutic tactics are determined based on the existing problems and the patient’s condition.

The scheme and composition of therapy when metastases from other organs are detected in the lungs is formed after establishing their origin and determining the degree of damage.

The probability of going into remission in patients with metastatic tumors is significantly lower than in patients with stages 1-2; the prognosis for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell disease is moderately optimistic. At the same time, competent help even at stage 4 with the presence of distant metastases and damage to neighboring organs allows you to stop the development of the disease in 10% of patients (depending on the type of neoplasm). Thus, a patient with any stage and form of the disease has a chance for life.

Methods for the treatment of malignant lung tumor

The choice of a treatment regimen directly depends on the properties of the tumor: the location of pathological foci, their prevalence, the type of neoplasm, the patient’s condition.

The leading methods of treating lung cancer are surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy. As a rule, they are used in combination: the main method is surgical, the additional ones are radiation and chemotherapy. Hormonal and immunotherapy are also used.

Complex treatment, which consists in the combined use of surgical, radiotherapy, hormone and chemotherapy, as well as the appointment of immunity stimulants, is increasingly being used in advanced stages of lung cancer.

Start of lung cancer treatment: how and when?

Timely initiation of treatment increases the chances of recovery and prolongation of life.

The main methods of treatment at the initial stages of tumor development are:

• surgical intervention – consists in removing the entire tumor with nearby tissues (up to 2 cm) and affected lymph nodes, in the initial stages, as a rule,
• wedge-shaped resection (removal of the tumor and adjacent tissues),
• lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung),
• bilobectomy (removal of two lobes of the lung);
• chemotherapy treatment – used after surgery to prevent tumor recurrence;
• radiation therapy – used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Photodynamic therapy used for lung cancer treatment

A new trend in oncology is photodynamic tumor therapy (PDT), in which oxygen is used in addition to light and a photosensitizing drug. The destruction of the neoplasm occurs when irradiated with low-intensity laser radiation, which excludes thermal damage to the organ wall.

The method is based on the fact that a special drug (photosensitizer) is injected into the patient’s body, which is selectively fixed on the membranes of tumor cells. In fact, the drug “marks” the malignant cells. Under the action of laser radiation, the transition of a non-toxic form of oxygen into a toxic one for cells occurs, which leads to the destruction of tumor cells with the drug introduced into it.

The indications for this therapy are:

• early forms of cancer – tumors of the trachea, bronchi, esophagus, stomach with a high risk of surgery or the impossibility of performing it;
• tumors that cannot be removed are neoplasms of the respiratory tract, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum.

It is possible to combine photodynamic therapy with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Contraindications to PDT:

• hereditary or acquired porphyria;
• increased skin photosensitivity;
• severe liver and kidney disease.

Complications during photodynamic therapy are associated with skin photosensitivity, depend on the photosensitizer used, but if the light regime is observed and modern drugs are used, the risk of complications is minimal.

A decrease in the efficiency of PDT can be observed when:

• reduced oxygen content in the tumor;
• insufficient concentration of the photosensitizer;
• poor blood supply to the tumor.

Surgery as lung cancer treatment

The main treatment for lung cancer is surgery. The volume of surgical intervention is determined by the localization and extent of the tumor, the presence or absence of metastasis, the state of the functions of internal organs.

Surgical treatment consists of removing a specific area of ​​the lung, one or more of its lobes, or the entire lung. Usually, tissue is removed with a volume of at least a fraction. At the same time, the lymph nodes are to be removed.

Surgical options:

• wedge resection – removal of the primary focus and nearby tissues;
• segmental resection – the removed affected segment;
• lobectomy – removal of one lobe of the lung;
• bilobectomy – removal of two lobes of the lung;
• pneumonectomy – removal of the entire lung.

If the tumor spreads to neighboring organs, then their resection (removal of part of the organ) is performed. It is possible to perform a resection of the trachea if the tumor is localized close to it. The operation in this case is combined. For health reasons, palliative operations are performed.

Radiation therapy for lung cancer

Provides for irradiation of the tumor area and surrounding tissues, nearby lymph nodes. It can be both radical (complete cure of the patient) and palliative (suspension of the growth of the neoplasm, reduction of its size).

Chemotherapy for lung cancer

For lung cancer, this type of treatment is most often used as an adjunct method. But it can also be used as an independent method of treatment if surgery and radiation therapy are contraindicated for any reason.

The effectiveness of chemotherapy depends on the sensitivity of the primary tumor. Drug therapy for different types of tumors gives different results.

With small cell lung cancer, it is the main method of treatment, the effectiveness reaches 80%. They are used either simultaneously with radiation therapy, or sequentially (chemotherapy, hereinafter – radiotherapy).

Chemotherapy for non-small cell cancer is done when surgery and radiation therapy are contraindicated.

Recently, targeted drugs are considered the most promising for the treatment of non-small cell cancer (small molecules and monoclonal antibodies that target specific tissue targets – the growth factor of the epithelium and the formation of new vessels in a malignant tumor.

Drugs of this series are used as a second or third line therapy for certain types of lung cancer expressing a certain type of receptor – EGFR. In a significant number of cases, chemotherapy allows not only to achieve a reduction in tumor size, prevent its metastasis and restore the quality of life, but also to achieve stable long-term remission or recovery of the patient.

The conditions of the clinic make it possible to carry out both neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy of any level of complexity and complexity, both in a hospital oncology center and on an outpatient basis in a day hospital.

The choice of the optimal course of chemotherapy (in accordance with the exact diagnosis, tumor histology, specific stage of the disease in a particular patient) is carried out strictly according to international protocols, which have shown their effectiveness in randomized double-blind controlled clinical trials.

The drugs of the latest generation are used, which have the greatest efficiency and the least toxic effect, “under the guise of” maintenance therapy, which minimizes the side effects of chemotherapy on blood cells and internal organs.
According to the indications, individual disposable pumps are installed to ensure uniform administration of drugs over a long period of time, or automatic dispensers. In some cases, a special infusion port system is installed for chemotherapy.

With the development and recurrence of neoplastic pleurisy (pleural carcinomatosis), palliative surgical interventions (thoracocentesis, obliteration of the chest cavity) are possible in the clinic.

Non-small cell lung cancer is usually more responsive to surgery than small cell lung cancer. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the doctor may remove it by grabbing some healthy tissue around it, or remove the lung entirely. Usually, surgery is complemented by a course of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This helps to destroy the remaining cancer cells and reduce the chances of recurrence.

Currently, surgeons are increasingly using minimally invasive interventions, when a puncture is made on the chest wall, and a flexible thin thoracoscope equipped with a light source and a video camera is inserted inside.

Sometimes non-small cell lung cancer is treated with radiofrequency ablation. A thin needle is inserted into the tumor and an electric current is applied to it, which burns the cancer cells.

Small cell carcinoma is much more often inoperable than non-small cell carcinoma. We have to resort to other methods of treatment.

Radiation therapy for lung cancer

Radiation therapy is effective in both non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The doctor may prescribe this method of treatment for different purposes:

Before surgery (neoadjuvant radiation therapy). This helps to shrink the tumor in size, it becomes easier for the surgeon to remove it, and the patient tolerates the intervention better.

After surgical treatment (adjuvant radiation therapy). It is needed in order to destroy tumor cells that remained in the body after the operation, and to prevent relapse.

As an independent treatment for the symptoms of advanced lung cancer: pain, bleeding, etc.

Sometimes a course of radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy. This treatment is called chemoradiotherapy.

Targeted therapy for lung cancer

To multiply uncontrollably, survive and defend against the immune system, cancer cells use several molecular genetic mechanisms. Knowledge about them helps to create special targeted drugs. Compared to chemotherapy drugs, they act more targeted, blocking only certain substances that are in cancer cells.

For lung cancer, the following targeted drugs are used:

• Blockers of angiogenesis (the growth of new vessels in a malignant tumor).
• EGFR blockers (a receptor protein that normally activates cell division, but becomes too active in cancer cells and contributes to their uncontrolled reproduction).
• ALK blockers (a mutant protein that usually occurs in non-smokers and those who smoke a little).
• BRAF blockers (a mutant protein that causes cells to multiply uncontrollably).

Cancer of the pleura

Treatment of patients with neoplastic pleurisy begins with pleurocentesis – the evacuation of fluid from the pleural cavity, which immediately leads to an improvement in well-being, a decrease in shortness of breath, pain and an improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

The study of the removed fluid, carried out immediately after pleurocentesis, makes it possible to more accurately establish the cause of neoplastic pleurisy. To clarify the prevalence of not only pleurisy, but also the specific changes that caused this condition, a whole arsenal of modern research methods available to the patients of the clinic (X-ray examination, computed tomography of the chest cavity organs, ultrasound, etc.) helps.

Some time after the puncture, effusion may again accumulate in the pleural cavity. If fluid needs to be withdrawn less than a month after thoracentesis, the doctor may place an intrapleural port system, a small titanium container with a silicone membrane that is placed under the skin and connected to the pleural space with a catheter. In the future, in order to remove the pleural effusion, you just need to feel the membrane of the port system under the skin and insert a special needle into it.

Also, chemotherapy drugs can be administered through the intrapleural port system. Intrapleural chemotherapy can help reduce effusion. It is especially effective in patients with mesothelioma, lung and breast cancer.

If necessary, it is possible to conduct a videothoracoscopy, which allows you to examine the pleural cavity through a puncture in the chest wall using a special instrument – a thoracoscope, to perform a targeted biopsy of a suspicious tissue area followed by morphological examination, which in most cases makes it possible to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Systemic chemotherapy not only affects the cancer itself, but with good sensitivity to chemotherapy, it can lead to the elimination of pleurisy in most patients.

Pleurodesis

If chemotherapy is impossible, pleurodesis is possible, as a result of which the pleural layers are soldered together due to the introduction of various chemicals with a local antitumor effect.

Intrapleural therapy for cancer can be supplemented with immunotherapy with LAK cells, recombinant interleukin-2, or a combination of both.

The choice in favor of one or another variant of immunotherapy or a sequence of immunotherapeutic effects is carried out by an oncologist based on the results of the patient’s examination, taking into account the rate of fluid accumulation, general condition, sensitivity to chemotherapy, previous treatment, etc.). Pleurocentesis is performed by experienced specialists using a special device Pleurocan (USA) and only under ultrasound navigation, which ensures the safety, speed and accuracy of the intervention.

Treatment of stage 4 lung cancer with metastases

At stage 4 lung cancer (a common tumor in the body), palliative or symptomatic treatment in Moscow is possible. Palliative treatment is a forced approach, when it is impossible to defeat oncology with the currently available means, it is aimed at reducing suffering, prolonging and improving the quality of life of patients. Our patients receive adequate anesthesia, oxygen therapy, detoxification, and if necessary, palliative operations are performed (tracheostomy, thoracocentesis, pleurodesis, etc.). With cancer pneumonia, all the necessary anti-inflammatory treatment is carried out, with pulmonary hemorrhage – hemostatic therapy.

Palliative Lung Cancer Treatment

Palliative surgery is used for:

• extensive tumor ingrowth into the chest wall;
• decay of the tumor;
• overlapping the lumen of the trachea and large bronchi;
• atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue);
• the threat of pulmonary hemorrhage.

Surgery is not performed for advanced lung cancer, respiratory decompensation, and heart failure in patients.

The modern time protocols for the intensified treatment of patients with malignant lung diseases are used to reduce the mass of the tumor and slow down the rate of its growth. If necessary, evacuation of cavity effusions, various types of anesthesia, detoxification, antiemetic therapy, restorative treatment, multicomponent therapy aimed at supporting the functioning of vital organs (heart, liver, kidneys, lungs) is carried out, all measures are taken to improve well-being and quality of life sick.

What kind of care do patients with grade 4 cancer receive?

The fourth degree of lung cancer is characterized by a tumor of any size, variable lesions of the lymph nodes and metastatic lesions of internal organs. At this stage, the malignant process is most often irreversible and practically uncontrollable.

At this stage, the following combinations of treatment methods are possible:

• radiation therapy with additional chemotherapy or targeted drugs;
• palliative (not curing, but relieving suffering) chemotherapy;
• palliative radiotherapy;
• symptomatic treatment (elimination of the manifestations of the disease);
• supportive therapy aimed at improving the quality of human life.

The choice of the therapy regimen depends on the general condition of the patient, the number and location of metastases. In patients in a satisfactory condition with a small number of metastases, it is possible to achieve a better therapeutic effect.

Correct treatment of grade 4 lung cancer with metastases helps to prolong the patient’s life and improve its quality. In modern oncology, the very understanding of incurable malignant tumors has changed. Such a diagnosis is perceived not as a sentence, but as a chronic disease in which the patient can still be helped.

Lung cancer treatment stages at different stages

To summarize all of the above, the treatment of malignant lung tumors, depending on the stage, will look like this:

Stage 0 cancer, when the tumor does not invade the mucosa, is usually limited to surgery. No radiation therapy or chemotherapy is required.

Stage 1 is also often limited to surgical treatment. If the risk of recurrence is high, adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy is given. During the operation, a lobe or a smaller part of the lung can be removed, as well as some lymph nodes that are located in the mediastinum.

At stage 2 before surgery, your doctor may prescribe a course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The volume of the operation can be different, up to the removal of the entire lung. After removal of the tumor, a course of chemotherapy is always carried out, sometimes – radiation therapy.

Stage 3 lung cancer treatment begins with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Then, if the tumor can be removed, and the patient’s condition allows, an operation is performed. Otherwise, radiation therapy and chemotherapy become the main treatments for grade 3 lung cancer.

In stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer, palliative and symptomatic therapy is performed.

Recovery after lung cancer in old age

Follow-up recovery is an important part of the care of cancer patients.

After the therapy, regular examinations are necessary for the timely detection of tumor recurrence and the detection of metastases. The examination usually consists of an interview, examination of the patient, laboratory tests (blood, urine tests), chest x-ray, and lung function tests. Additional examinations are prescribed if a tumor recurrence is suspected.

In addition to the examination after the treatment, a rehabilitation course is required. It is of particular importance for elderly patients due to the peculiarities of the functioning of their body.

Rehabilitation is subdivided into:

• general;
• specialized.

General rehabilitation is a combination of several methods of therapy – drugs, dosed physical activity, adherence to a diet. Specialized therapy includes aerosol therapy, periodic positive pressure ventilation, breathing exercises, oxygen supply through a nasal catheter, airway drainage, and pain relief.

Carrying out rehabilitation measures makes it possible to recover more quickly after the treatment.

Prophylaxis

Lung cancer prevention is a set of measures aimed at eliminating the causes and conditions that contribute to the onset of this pathology.

Prevention can be primary and secondary:

• primary – is a set of measures aimed at eliminating or reducing the impact on the body of factors that play an important role in the oncological process, + it includes: the fight against air pollution, occupational hazards, tobacco smoking;
• secondary – based on a systematic examination of the population in order to identify, further record and treat both precancerous processes and malignant neoplasms of the lungs, timely detection and treatment started on time gives a good result.