Lung Cancer Surgery Basics Introduction: Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in t...
Lung Cancer Surgery Basics
Introduction:
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with an estimated 250,950 new cases and 69,800 deaths in 2023.
Types of Lung Cancer Surgery:
There are two main types of lung cancer surgery:
Lobectomy: In a lobectomy, the surgeon removes the entire lobe of lung that contains the cancer.
Bronchiectasis: In a bronchiectasis, the surgeon removes a section of lung and the surrounding lymph nodes.
Pre-Operative Care:
Before surgery, patients may undergo preoperative tests such as:
Chest X-rays
CT scans
MRI scans
Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
Blood tests
Surgical Procedure:
The type of lung cancer surgery performed depends on the location and stage of the cancer. The surgery typically involves:
Opening the chest and making a large incision in the abdomen or back.
Accessing the lungs and removing the affected lobe or section.
Closing the chest with stitches or staples.
Post-Operative Care:
After surgery, patients may stay in the hospital for several days. They will typically receive pain medication, antibiotics, and radiation therapy.
Follow-Up Care:
After surgery, patients will continue to receive regular follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor their progress and ensure that the cancer has not returned