Three non-small cell lung cancer Understanding treatments

There are two main types of lung cancer cells in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). On both NSCLC is much more common, accounting for 80% of patients. Begins when the cells in the lung to expand home and multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Over time this can develop into a malignant (cancer) tumor in the lung that kills the surrounding cells, and then it grows. Although this disease is lethal, a series of treatments, depending on how advanced the cancer has developed to be used. In this article I will discuss three of these treatments NSCLC.

1) SURGERY- Surgery is usually for the treatment of cancers that are not distributed through the lungs. There are two main types of surgery are used to treat lung cancer cells in non-small. In the case of a lung lobe as possible, called in a surgical procedure lobectomy removed. However, if the cancer has spread beyond the lung lobes are then removed together in a process called pneumonectomy.

2) Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill the cancer cells to treat NSCLC. It is often used when cancer has further advanced and surgery is no longer a viable option. However, it can also be used before surgery (to reduce cancer cells and to lead the process easier), or to kill after the surgery (the remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recidivism). Unfortunately, the chemotherapy is not perfect and has a number of unpleasant side effects linked, including feelings of illness, loss of appetite and hair loss. But in many cases, these symptoms disappear if the price of the end of chemotherapy.

3) radiation therapy - Radiation therapy is with high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can both internally (when radioactive implants are placed in the malignant cells) or external (where the radioactive beams are directed at the tumor from outside the body). Such as chemotherapy, this treatment for cancer in non-small cell lung cancer is usually used when cancer has spread beyond the lungs and surgery was not possible. However, it can also be used before and after to make it easier to control and reduce the chances of finding NSCLC.

Cancer is a terrible illness and learning difficulties, which have been developed non-small cell lung cancer can be very unpleasant. However, we must remember that it is treatable, especially if it is discovered in the early stages. I hope this article has given you an overview of treatment options NSCLC, but a complete picture, you should see your doctor. You can offer professional advice and offer the most appropriate treatment.