| Lung Cancer Treatments |
| Written by Michael Kerry | |
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Let’s talk about the stages of cancer and the treatments for each. Stage One and Stage Two Lung CancersStage one and stage two lung cancers are both in the same treatment zone, so to speak. The cancer normally hasn’t spread much and can be handled surgically. The tumor is removed and radiation is given to make sure the area is as clear of cancer as possible and to slow re-growth of the tumor. If the patient, for whatever reason, cannot undergo surgery, radiation treatments will probably be recommended.Stage Three Lung CancerStage Three lung cancer patients are sometimes divided into three groups. The three groups include:
Patients in group #2 are ready to have surgery, but in this case just like in #1, doctors may decide to treat with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy prior to the surgery. This group may also be considered for research trials using new medicines or treatments. This would be based on each patient’s situation and the doctor would discuss the pros and cons with each patient. Patients in the third group cannot benefit from surgery. Those that have non-cancerous fluid around their lungs might benefit from a combination treatment of radiation and chemotherapy together. They might consider treatments of chemotherapy alone if the fluids surrounding the lungs contain cancerous cells. Or the patient can choose no treatment, and simply opt to take comfort care. This should all be discussed between the doctor and the patient. In this part of Stage Three lung cancer the patients have about the same amount of time left to them as Stage Four cancer patients. This is about eight months, even with aggressive treatments. Stage Four Lung CancerThe last stage of lung cancer is Stage Four. It is sometimes referred to as recurrent lung cancer. In Stage Four, the cancer has metastasized or spread, to the opposite lung or to distant locations outside the chest. It can even spread to the brain or bones. There is no size limit on the tumor, it can be any-size, or it can have spread to the lymph nodes in any degree.The patient in Stage Four has the option of having chemotherapy or having nothing more than comfort care. Having chemotherapy might help with the symptoms and perhaps extend life longer than with just comfort care. There are several chemical potions available to patients with Stage Four lung cancer. They are prescribed individually and some will work better for one person than for another. Several medicines may need to be tried to find the one or a combination that works best for each individual patient. Some of these medicines come in a pill form which makes it possible to take from home. Every person’s body reacts differently, not only to the treatments but also to the cancer. Some patients might be fairly strong right up to the last and can handle more aggressive treatments than others. Other patient’s bodies may not even hold up during the earliest stages of the cancer and so won’t be able to tolerate even the most basic treatments. New medicines are being found and tried all the time. There are trials and research organizations working to discover the cure for cancer. Comfort CareWhen we speak of comfort care it usually means pain control along with other symptom controls. Often called palliative care, this treatment includes helping patients over their cancer symptoms and the symptoms that come from treating the cancer.Comfort care covers more than the physical symptoms; it can also mean having someone help you with spiritual and emotional issues during this time. Comfort care was once considered for those dying of cancer, but today doctors offer this care to all those suffering through any of the stages of cancer. Patients should be getting this care from the time cancer is diagnosed. |
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Treatments Diagnosing Cancer
Treatments Diagnosing Cancer