Small cell and non-small cell (NSCLC) are the two main types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. It usually grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer. There are three common types of non-small cell lung cancer; squamous cell carcinomas are usually found in the center of the lung next to an air tube, adenocarcinomas are often found in an outer area of the lung and large cell carcinomas can occur in any part of the lung.
Smoking causes most cases around 90% of lung cancer. Often not recognized immediately signs of non-small cell lung cancer include a cough that doesn’t go away and shortness of breath. Treatment options are most often determined by the progress of the disease, not every option will be recommended for every patient. The following are treatment options for non small lung cancer patients should discuss when meeting with their physician:
1. Chemotherapy and radiation
Chemotherapy or radiation is a consideration alone, or prior to any surgical procedure. For people with non-small cell lung tumors that can be surgically removed, evidence suggests that chemotherapy after surgery may help prevent the cancer from returning. Receiving chemotherapy before radiation or surgery may help people with lung cancer by shrinking the tumor enough to make it easier to remove with surgery, increasing the effectiveness of radiation and destroying hidden cancer cells at the earliest possible time. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Depending on the stage of the non-small cell lung cancer, and other factors, radiation therapy might be used as a treatment option.
2. Target treatments
Lung cancer treatment that kills cancer cells also can affect normal cells, harming good cells and causing unwanted side effects. Targeted therapies help reduce damage to healthy cells. They focus on cancer cells by interrupting their growth and how they function. These therapies attack specific targets on or in the tumor cells.
3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is one of the newest treatment options for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. It’s different from chemotherapy. Instead of attacking cells as they divide, it uses your immune system to kill cancer and stop cancer from growing.
4. Surgery
According to the American Cancer Society surgery provides the best chance to cure the disease. Surgery to remove the cancer might be an option for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Surgery is an option for most stage I and stage II non-small cell lung cancers in helping to remove the tumor.
A patient should work with their doctor to determine the best course of treatment for them based on their condition, stage of the cancer, quality of life and other medical considerations.
