Surgical Options for Lung Cancer: Is Surgery the Best Treatment for You?

Globally, one of the main contributors to cancer-related deaths is lung cancer. Choosing the appropriate treatment after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis is essential to enhancing results and quality of life. Surgery is considered the best lung cancer treatment in Siliguri, and in certain situations, it can be quite successful. However, depending on the tumour’s location, the patient's general condition, and the cancer's stage, surgery might not be appropriate for every patient.

Early-stage NSCLC is typically treated with surgery, especially if the cancer is restricted to a single location and hasn't spread to neighbouring lymph nodes or other body areas. In order to stop the cancer from spreading, surgery aims to remove the tumor along with any damaged tissue. However, SCLC is another type of lung cancer that usually responds better to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Remember that surgery might not be beneficial for more advanced stages of lung cancer.

Common Types Of Lung Cancer Surgery

The main aim of any surgical technique for treating lung cancer is to remove the tumor while maintaining optimal lung functioning.

1. Pneumonectomy

In a pneumonectomy, the entire lung is removed. If the cancer has progressed widely throughout the lung or if the tumor is situated in a way that necessitates the removal of the entire lung, this operation might be advised. To make sure all malignant tissue is removed, this procedure may be required, even though it is more highly invasive than other surgical methods. Following surgery, patients who have a pneumonectomy usually need more time to recover and may be less able to engage in physical activities.

2. Lobectomy

The most popular surgical technique for lung cancer is lobectomy. A full lung lobe is removed in this procedure. There are two lobes on the left and three on the right side of the lungs. The lobe with the tumor and some surrounding tissue are removed by the surgeon during a lobectomy. Since this procedure enhances long-term survival, it is typically regarded as the gold standard for treating early-stage lung cancer.

3. Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

Another minimally invasive method for doing lung surgery is VATS. To guide the removal of the tumor, the surgeon makes multiple tiny incisions in the chest and inserts a tiny camera called a thoracoscope. VATS is frequently used for wedge resections or lobectomies and has a number of benefits over open surgery, such as less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

4. Segmentectomy or Wedge Resection

This minimally invasive surgical procedure removes only the part of the lung that contains the tumor. Smaller tumors that are localized in a particular lung region or patients with reduced lung function who might not be able to handle a lobectomy are usually ideal candidates for this operation. A segmentectomy may be an effective choice for patients who are not candidates for more invasive procedures since it maintains more lung tissue than a lobectomy.

You can consult with one of the best lung cancer doctors in Siliguri to understand the ideal surgical procedure for your condition.

When Surgery Is Advised To Treat Lung Cancer?

In the following situations, surgery is considered the best course of treatment for lung cancer:

1. Optimal General Health: Patients who can withstand the physical strain of the procedure and are in generally good health are advised to have surgery. This includes those without serious underlying medical issues that would raise the risk of surgery, like heart disease.

2. Early-Stage NSCLC: When lung cancer is detected early (Stage I or Stage II) and has not progressed outside of the lung, surgery is most successful. Surgery is the best option for long-term survival if the malignancy is minimal and only limited to one lung.

3. No Evidence of Metastasis: When there is no indication that the cancer has moved to other areas of the body, surgery is advised by the doctors. Surgery might not be sufficient if the cancer has spread, in which case further therapies like chemotherapy or radiation would be taken into consideration.

4. Single Tumor Location: When there is only one lung tumor or a little tumor that can be easily removed, surgery is the best option. Surgery might not be enough if the cancer has progressed to lymph nodes or other body areas.

Factors Interfering With Your Surgery Eligibility For Lung Cancer

Surgery is not appropriate for everyone, even though it can be a very successful treatment choice. Some such situations include-

Poor Lung Function: The body, especially the lungs, will experience stress following surgery. Patients who already have lung conditions including emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) might not be good candidates for surgery. Before suggesting surgery, doctors will assess your lung function to make sure your body is capable of handling the process and the recovery stage.

Advanced Cancer Stage: Surgery is usually not advised in cases of advanced-stage lung cancer (Stage III or IV), since the cancer has progressed to distant lymph nodes or other sections of the body. Instead of surgery in these situations, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be advised.

Age and General Health of the Patient: Due to the risk factors associated with anesthesia and recovery, older persons or people with other medical conditions might not be the best candidates for surgery. To determine whether surgery is the best lung cancer treatment, a thorough health evaluation will be conducted.

Location of Tumor: Surgery might not be an option if the tumor is situated near vital organs like the heart or blood vessels, or in a difficult-to-reach part of the lung. In these situations, medical professionals could recommend alternate therapies like chemotherapy or radiation.

In the early stages of lung cancer, when the tumor has not spread, surgery can be a life-saving and the best lung cancer treatment in Siliguri. The location of the tumor, your general health, and the cancer's stage influence whether surgery is the best course of action for you.

It's critical to thoroughly examine your treatment choices with your oncologist after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis. Together, you may assess the possible advantages and disadvantages of surgery and choose the best treatment option for your particular situation.