TREATMENT OPTIONS
Lung cancer surgery
Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type and stage. For some early‑stage lung cancers, surgery may be recommended, while other types are often treated with chemotherapy and radiation.
Surgical procedures for lung cancer
For patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, it is likely that your doctor will recommend surgery as part of your treatment plan. For small cell lung cancer, surgery may be an option, but chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the main forms of treatment.
All surgery comes with risk, which depends on the type of surgery, medical history, and your functional status. By collaborating with your medical doctors, your surgeon will determine your individual risk and what is best for your circumstances.
Wedge resection
In wedge resection, the surgeon removes a small wedge-shaped piece of the lung that contains the cancer.
In most cases a wedge resection is performed as a way of obtaining a biopsy. The sample will be reviewed by a pathologist and help the surgeon determine if a larger procedure is necessary.
Segmentectomy
This treatment option involves the removal of a segment, or sub-unit, of the lung and its draining lymph nodes. It’s more than a wedge, but less than a lobectomy. And it may be a suitable alternative to preserve lung function for patients whose health problems prevent a lobectomy.
Lobectomy
This is the most common procedure to treat lung cancer. This surgery removes the lobe containing the tumor and associated lymph nodes. Later examination of the removed lymph nodes provides insight into long-term survival and the need for additional therapy. Importantly, lungs can function normally with the remaining lobes.
Pneumonectomy
This treatment option involves the removal of a segment, or sub-unit, of the lung and its draining lymph nodes. It’s more than a wedge, but less than a lobectomy. And it may be a suitable alternative to preserve lung function for patients whose health problems prevent a lobectomy.
Surgical approaches – different approach, same goal.
Open surgery
Your surgeon may elect to perform a thoracotomy. This will be dependent on your individual circumstances. With this approach, a surgeon removes all or part of a lung through a large incision (15cm) on one side of the chest.
Video assisted thorascopic surgery
Video assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS) allows your surgeon to access and remove your cancer in a minimally invasive way. This approach will utilise 1-4 small incisions (2-6cm) between the ribs to insert a camera and instruments to perform the procedure.
Robotic assisted thoracic surgery (RATS)
Like VATS, Robotic Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) is a form of minimally invasive surgery performed using a surgical robot. In this technique the surgeon controls robotic instruments from a console in real-time.
How to get a free screening?
If you’re concerned about your risk of lung cancer, talk to your GP. Your GP can review your lung health and assess your eligibility for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. Getting checked can provide peace of mind and help you take a more active role in your health.¹
References
1. The current state of robotic cardiac and thoracic surgery in Australia Almeida et al ANZ Journal of Surgery 91(11):p 2245-2246, November 2021.