Types of Lung Cancer
The two main subtypes of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. These descriptions explain the microscopic characteristics of cancer cells. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer.
In the event that you develop lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer, your doctor may request genetic testing (genetic mutation). The results of these tests help your doctor choose the most appropriate course of treatment for you. You can go to ICTS; its director is a robotic surgeon who was the first ASEAN cohort member to achieve a Level III Certificate of Specialist Training in Robotic Thoracic Surgery from the European College of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS).
Staging
If lung cancer is found, more tests are carried out to establish how far it has progressed to the lymph nodes, lungs, and other body areas. This is how the staging process works. Based on the kind and stage of your lung cancer, doctors decide what kind of therapy you need.
Therapy Alternatives
There are several treatment options available depending on the type of lung cancer and how far it has spread. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer may be treated with surgery, chemo, radiation, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments. Small cell lung cancer patients are typically treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgery is a technique in which doctors remove malignant tissue.
Chemotherapy treats cancer by using specialized drugs. The drugs may occasionally be given intravenously and/or orally.
Radiation therapy used to treat cancer with high-energy radiation similar to X-rays.
Targeted therapy. Stop the growth and spread of cancer cells using medicines. The substances can be taken orally or intravenously. Tests will be done to see whether targeted treatment is appropriate for your particular kind of cancer before it is used.
To treat lung cancer, many medical specialties typically work together. Medical doctors that specialize in lung problems are referred to as pulmonologists. Surgeons are medical professionals who perform operations. Thoracic surgeons specialize in surgeries of the chest, heart, and lungs.
Medical doctors called oncologists utilize medicine to treat cancer. Medical specialists known as radiation oncologists utilize radiation to treat cancer.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are used to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of new medicines.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Drugs and medical treatments that are different from the standard cancer therapy recommended by doctors are referred to as complementary and alternative medicine.
In addition to alternative medicine, conventional medicines are used. Examples include hypnosis, massage therapy, acupuncture, and nutritional supplements.
Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional therapy. Examples include magnet therapy, herbal therapies, high-dose vitamin regimens, speciality teas, and special diets.
Numerous complementary and alternative medical techniques are unsupported by science and could not be secure. The dangers and benefits of any supplemental or alternative treatment should be discussed with your doctor before starting.
Which Surgery Is the Best for Me?
It could be difficult to select the best course of treatment for you. Based on the kind and stage of your cancer, talk with your oncologist about your treatment options. Each treatment's benefits, dangers, and side effects may be reviewed with your doctor. A side effect is a manifestation of a treatment or drug in your body.
Patients may seek the opinions of many cancer doctors. Getting a "second opinion" is what is meant by the term, and it might help you decide what the best course of action is.