Lung Cancer,Exams and Tests

Upon hearing about the symptoms, a health-care provider will formulate a list of possible diagnoses. He or she will ask questions about the symptoms, medical and surgical history, smoking and work history, and other questions about lifestyle, overall health, and medications.

Unless severe hemoptysis is occurring, a chest x-ray will most likely be performed first to look for a cause of the respiratory symptoms.

The x-ray film may or may not show an abnormality.


Types of abnormalities seen in lung cancer include a small nodule or nodules or a large mass.


Not all abnormalities observed on a chest x-ray are cancers. For example, some people develop scarring and calcium deposits in their lungs that may look like tumors on a chest x-ray film.
In most cases, a CT scan or MRI of the chest will further define the problem.

If symptoms are severe, the x-ray may be skipped and a CT scan or MRI may be performed right away.


The advantages of CT scan and MRI are that they show much greater detail than x-rays and are able to show the lungs in three dimensions.


These tests help determine the stage of the cancer by showing the size of the tumor or tumors.


They can also help identify spread of the cancer into nearby lymph nodes or certain other organs.
If a person's chest x-ray film or scan suggests that a tumor is present, he or she will undergo a procedure for diagnosis.

This procedure involves collection of sputum, removal of a small piece of the tumor tissue (biopsy) or a small volume of fluid from the sac around the lung.


The retrieved cells are reviewed under a microscope by a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by looking at cell and tissue types (a pathologist).


Several different ways exist to obtain these cells.
Sputum testing: This is a simple test that is sometimes performed to detect cancer in the lungs.

Sputum is thick mucus that may be produced during a cough.


Cells in the sputum can be examined to see if they are cancerous. This is called cytologic review.


This is not a completely reliable test. If negative, the findings usually need to be confirmed by further testing.
Bronchoscopy: This is an endoscopic test, meaning that a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny camera on the end is used to view organs inside the body.

Bronchoscopy is endoscopy of the lungs. The bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose and down the windpipe. From there, the tube can be inserted into the airways (bronchi) of the lungs.


A tiny camera transmits images back to a video monitor.


The physician operating the bronchoscope can look for tumors and collect samples of any suspected tumors.


Bronchoscopy can usually be used to determine the extent of the tumor.


The procedure is uncomfortable. A local anesthetic is administered to the mouth and throat as well as sedation to make bronchoscopy tolerable.


Bronchoscopy has some risks and requires a specialist proficient in performing the procedure.
Needle biopsy: If a tumor is on the periphery of the lung, it usually cannot be seen with bronchoscopy. Instead, a biopsy is taken through a needle inserted through the chest wall and into the tumor.

Typically, a chest x-ray or CT scanning is used to guide the needle.


This procedure is safe and effective in obtaining sufficient tissue for diagnosis. After the chest surface is cleaned and prepared, the skin and the chest wall are numbed.


The most serious risk with this procedure is that the needle puncture may cause an air leak from the lung (pneumothorax). This air leak occurs in as many as 3%-5% of cases. Although this condition can be dangerous, it is almost always recognized and treated without serious consequences.
Thoracentesis: Lung cancers, both primary and metastatic, can cause fluid to collect in the sac surrounding the lung. This fluid is called a pleural effusion.

The fluid usually contains cells from the cancer.


Sampling this fluid can confirm the presence of cancer in the lungs.


The fluid sample is removed by a needle in a procedure similar to needle biopsy.


Thoracentesis can be important for both staging and diagnosis of the condition.
Thoracotomy: Sometimes a lung cancer tumor cannot be reached by bronchoscopy or needle procedures.
In these cases, the only way to obtain a biopsy is by performing an operation.


The chest is opened (thoracotomy), and as much of the tumor as possible is removed surgically. The removed tumor is then examined microscopically.


Unfortunately, this operation may not be successful in removing all tumor cells if the tumor is large or has spread to the lymph nodes outside of the lungs.


Thoracotomy is a major operation that is performed in a hospital.
Mediastinoscopy: This is another endoscopic procedure. It is performed to determine the extent that the cancer has spread into the area of the chest between the lungs (the mediastinum).

A small incision is made into the lower part of the neck, above the breastbone (sternum). A variation is to make the incision in the chest.


A mediastinoscope is inserted behind the breastbone.


Samples of the lymph nodes are taken to evaluate for cancer cells.


Mediastinoscopy is a very important step to determine whether the tumor can be surgically removed or not.
Other tests: Other tests are performed to stage the tumor and to assess a person's ability to withstand surgery and other treatment.

Pulmonary function tests assess breathing capacity.


Blood tests are performed to identify any chemical imbalances, blood disorders, or other problems that might complicate treatment.


CT scans or MRIs may be performed on the most common areas of spread to check for metastatic disease. These tests are generally performed only if symptoms occur that suggest metastatic disease. Certain treatment protocols require that these tests be performed.


A bone scan can determine whether the cancer has spread to the bones.
Staging: Staging is a method of classifying the tumor for purposes of treatment planning.

Staging is based on size of the tumor, location of the tumor, and degree of metastasis of the tumor (if any).


The treatment will be individually tailored to the tumor stage.


Tumor stage is related to the outlook for cure and survival (prognosis). The higher the tumor stage, the less likely the disease will be cured.

Lung Cancer,Exams and Tests

Upon hearing about the symptoms, a health-care provider will formulate a list of possible diagnoses. He or she will ask questions about the symptoms, medical and surgical history, smoking and work history, and other questions about lifestyle, overall health, and medications.

Unless severe hemoptysis is occurring, a chest x-ray will most likely be performed first to look for a cause of the respiratory symptoms.

The x-ray film may or may not show an abnormality.


Types of abnormalities seen in lung cancer include a small nodule or nodules or a large mass.


Not all abnormalities observed on a chest x-ray are cancers. For example, some people develop scarring and calcium deposits in their lungs that may look like tumors on a chest x-ray film.
In most cases, a CT scan or MRI of the chest will further define the problem.

If symptoms are severe, the x-ray may be skipped and a CT scan or MRI may be performed right away.


The advantages of CT scan and MRI are that they show much greater detail than x-rays and are able to show the lungs in three dimensions.


These tests help determine the stage of the cancer by showing the size of the tumor or tumors.


They can also help identify spread of the cancer into nearby lymph nodes or certain other organs.
If a person's chest x-ray film or scan suggests that a tumor is present, he or she will undergo a procedure for diagnosis.

This procedure involves collection of sputum, removal of a small piece of the tumor tissue (biopsy) or a small volume of fluid from the sac around the lung.


The retrieved cells are reviewed under a microscope by a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by looking at cell and tissue types (a pathologist).


Several different ways exist to obtain these cells.
Sputum testing: This is a simple test that is sometimes performed to detect cancer in the lungs.

Sputum is thick mucus that may be produced during a cough.


Cells in the sputum can be examined to see if they are cancerous. This is called cytologic review.


This is not a completely reliable test. If negative, the findings usually need to be confirmed by further testing.
Bronchoscopy: This is an endoscopic test, meaning that a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny camera on the end is used to view organs inside the body.

Bronchoscopy is endoscopy of the lungs. The bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose and down the windpipe. From there, the tube can be inserted into the airways (bronchi) of the lungs.


A tiny camera transmits images back to a video monitor.


The physician operating the bronchoscope can look for tumors and collect samples of any suspected tumors.


Bronchoscopy can usually be used to determine the extent of the tumor.


The procedure is uncomfortable. A local anesthetic is administered to the mouth and throat as well as sedation to make bronchoscopy tolerable.


Bronchoscopy has some risks and requires a specialist proficient in performing the procedure.
Needle biopsy: If a tumor is on the periphery of the lung, it usually cannot be seen with bronchoscopy. Instead, a biopsy is taken through a needle inserted through the chest wall and into the tumor.

Typically, a chest x-ray or CT scanning is used to guide the needle.


This procedure is safe and effective in obtaining sufficient tissue for diagnosis. After the chest surface is cleaned and prepared, the skin and the chest wall are numbed.


The most serious risk with this procedure is that the needle puncture may cause an air leak from the lung (pneumothorax). This air leak occurs in as many as 3%-5% of cases. Although this condition can be dangerous, it is almost always recognized and treated without serious consequences.
Thoracentesis: Lung cancers, both primary and metastatic, can cause fluid to collect in the sac surrounding the lung. This fluid is called a pleural effusion.

The fluid usually contains cells from the cancer.


Sampling this fluid can confirm the presence of cancer in the lungs.


The fluid sample is removed by a needle in a procedure similar to needle biopsy.


Thoracentesis can be important for both staging and diagnosis of the condition.
Thoracotomy: Sometimes a lung cancer tumor cannot be reached by bronchoscopy or needle procedures.
In these cases, the only way to obtain a biopsy is by performing an operation.


The chest is opened (thoracotomy), and as much of the tumor as possible is removed surgically. The removed tumor is then examined microscopically.


Unfortunately, this operation may not be successful in removing all tumor cells if the tumor is large or has spread to the lymph nodes outside of the lungs.


Thoracotomy is a major operation that is performed in a hospital.
Mediastinoscopy: This is another endoscopic procedure. It is performed to determine the extent that the cancer has spread into the area of the chest between the lungs (the mediastinum).

A small incision is made into the lower part of the neck, above the breastbone (sternum). A variation is to make the incision in the chest.


A mediastinoscope is inserted behind the breastbone.


Samples of the lymph nodes are taken to evaluate for cancer cells.


Mediastinoscopy is a very important step to determine whether the tumor can be surgically removed or not.
Other tests: Other tests are performed to stage the tumor and to assess a person's ability to withstand surgery and other treatment.

Pulmonary function tests assess breathing capacity.


Blood tests are performed to identify any chemical imbalances, blood disorders, or other problems that might complicate treatment.


CT scans or MRIs may be performed on the most common areas of spread to check for metastatic disease. These tests are generally performed only if symptoms occur that suggest metastatic disease. Certain treatment protocols require that these tests be performed.


A bone scan can determine whether the cancer has spread to the bones.
Staging: Staging is a method of classifying the tumor for purposes of treatment planning.

Staging is based on size of the tumor, location of the tumor, and degree of metastasis of the tumor (if any).


The treatment will be individually tailored to the tumor stage.


Tumor stage is related to the outlook for cure and survival (prognosis). The higher the tumor stage, the less likely the disease will be cured.

Lung Cancer,Exams and Tests

Upon hearing about the symptoms, a health-care provider will formulate a list of possible diagnoses. He or she will ask questions about the symptoms, medical and surgical history, smoking and work history, and other questions about lifestyle, overall health, and medications.

Unless severe hemoptysis is occurring, a chest x-ray will most likely be performed first to look for a cause of the respiratory symptoms.

The x-ray film may or may not show an abnormality.


Types of abnormalities seen in lung cancer include a small nodule or nodules or a large mass.


Not all abnormalities observed on a chest x-ray are cancers. For example, some people develop scarring and calcium deposits in their lungs that may look like tumors on a chest x-ray film.
In most cases, a CT scan or MRI of the chest will further define the problem.

If symptoms are severe, the x-ray may be skipped and a CT scan or MRI may be performed right away.


The advantages of CT scan and MRI are that they show much greater detail than x-rays and are able to show the lungs in three dimensions.


These tests help determine the stage of the cancer by showing the size of the tumor or tumors.


They can also help identify spread of the cancer into nearby lymph nodes or certain other organs.
If a person's chest x-ray film or scan suggests that a tumor is present, he or she will undergo a procedure for diagnosis.

This procedure involves collection of sputum, removal of a small piece of the tumor tissue (biopsy) or a small volume of fluid from the sac around the lung.


The retrieved cells are reviewed under a microscope by a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by looking at cell and tissue types (a pathologist).


Several different ways exist to obtain these cells.
Sputum testing: This is a simple test that is sometimes performed to detect cancer in the lungs.

Sputum is thick mucus that may be produced during a cough.


Cells in the sputum can be examined to see if they are cancerous. This is called cytologic review.


This is not a completely reliable test. If negative, the findings usually need to be confirmed by further testing.
Bronchoscopy: This is an endoscopic test, meaning that a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny camera on the end is used to view organs inside the body.

Bronchoscopy is endoscopy of the lungs. The bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose and down the windpipe. From there, the tube can be inserted into the airways (bronchi) of the lungs.


A tiny camera transmits images back to a video monitor.


The physician operating the bronchoscope can look for tumors and collect samples of any suspected tumors.


Bronchoscopy can usually be used to determine the extent of the tumor.


The procedure is uncomfortable. A local anesthetic is administered to the mouth and throat as well as sedation to make bronchoscopy tolerable.


Bronchoscopy has some risks and requires a specialist proficient in performing the procedure.
Needle biopsy: If a tumor is on the periphery of the lung, it usually cannot be seen with bronchoscopy. Instead, a biopsy is taken through a needle inserted through the chest wall and into the tumor.

Typically, a chest x-ray or CT scanning is used to guide the needle.


This procedure is safe and effective in obtaining sufficient tissue for diagnosis. After the chest surface is cleaned and prepared, the skin and the chest wall are numbed.


The most serious risk with this procedure is that the needle puncture may cause an air leak from the lung (pneumothorax). This air leak occurs in as many as 3%-5% of cases. Although this condition can be dangerous, it is almost always recognized and treated without serious consequences.
Thoracentesis: Lung cancers, both primary and metastatic, can cause fluid to collect in the sac surrounding the lung. This fluid is called a pleural effusion.

The fluid usually contains cells from the cancer.


Sampling this fluid can confirm the presence of cancer in the lungs.


The fluid sample is removed by a needle in a procedure similar to needle biopsy.


Thoracentesis can be important for both staging and diagnosis of the condition.
Thoracotomy: Sometimes a lung cancer tumor cannot be reached by bronchoscopy or needle procedures.
In these cases, the only way to obtain a biopsy is by performing an operation.


The chest is opened (thoracotomy), and as much of the tumor as possible is removed surgically. The removed tumor is then examined microscopically.


Unfortunately, this operation may not be successful in removing all tumor cells if the tumor is large or has spread to the lymph nodes outside of the lungs.


Thoracotomy is a major operation that is performed in a hospital.
Mediastinoscopy: This is another endoscopic procedure. It is performed to determine the extent that the cancer has spread into the area of the chest between the lungs (the mediastinum).

A small incision is made into the lower part of the neck, above the breastbone (sternum). A variation is to make the incision in the chest.


A mediastinoscope is inserted behind the breastbone.


Samples of the lymph nodes are taken to evaluate for cancer cells.


Mediastinoscopy is a very important step to determine whether the tumor can be surgically removed or not.
Other tests: Other tests are performed to stage the tumor and to assess a person's ability to withstand surgery and other treatment.

Pulmonary function tests assess breathing capacity.


Blood tests are performed to identify any chemical imbalances, blood disorders, or other problems that might complicate treatment.


CT scans or MRIs may be performed on the most common areas of spread to check for metastatic disease. These tests are generally performed only if symptoms occur that suggest metastatic disease. Certain treatment protocols require that these tests be performed.


A bone scan can determine whether the cancer has spread to the bones.
Staging: Staging is a method of classifying the tumor for purposes of treatment planning.

Staging is based on size of the tumor, location of the tumor, and degree of metastasis of the tumor (if any).


The treatment will be individually tailored to the tumor stage.


Tumor stage is related to the outlook for cure and survival (prognosis). The higher the tumor stage, the less likely the disease will be cured.

Lung cancer,Chemotherapy

In the original sense, a chemical that binds to and specifically kills microbes or tumor cells. The term chemotherapy was coined in this regard by Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915).
2. In oncology, drug therapy for cancer. Also called "chemo" for short.

Most cancer chemotherapeutic drugs are given IV (into a vein) or IM (into muscle). Some anticancer agents are taken orally (by mouth). Chemotherapy is usually systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body.

Patients who need many rounds of IV chemotherapy may receive the drugs through a catheter (a thin flexible tube). One end of the catheter is placed in a large vein in the chest. The other end is outside the body or attached to a small device just under the skin. Anticancer drugs are given through the catheter.

Chemotherapy is generally given in cycles: a treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on. Usually a patient has chemotherapy as an outpatient at the hospital, at a doctor's office or clinic, or at home. However, depending on which drugs are given and the patient's general health, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a short time.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the drugs and the doses the patient receives. Most anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly. These include blood cells, which fight infection, help the blood to clot, or carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When blood cells are affected by anticancer drugs, patients are more likely to develop infections, may bruise or bleed easily, and may have less energy. Cells that line the digestive tract also divide rapidly. As a result of chemotherapy, patients can have side effects, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, or mouth sores. For some patients, medicines can be prescribed to help with side effects, especially with nausea and vomiting. These side effects tend to gradually go away during the recovery period or after treatment stops.

Hair loss, another side effect of chemotherapy, is a major concern for many patients. Some chemotherapy drugs only cause the hair to thin out, while others may result in the loss of all body hair. Patients may feel better if they decide how to handle hair loss before starting treatment.

In some men and women, chemotherapy drugs cause changes that may result in a loss of fertility (the ability to have children). Loss of fertility can be temporary or permanent depending on the drugs used and the patient's age. For men, sperm banking before treatment may be a choice. Women's menstrual periods may stop and they may have hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Periods are more likely to return in young women.

In some cases, bone marrow transplantation and peripheral stem cell support are used to replace blood cell production when it has been destroyed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Lung cancer,Radiation therapy

The use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing. Like surgery, radiation therapy is a local treatment that affects cancer cells only in the treated area.

Radiation can come from a machine (external radiation or from an a small container of radioactive material implanted directly into or near the tumor (internal radiation). Some patients receive both kinds of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy is usually given on an outpatient basis in a hospital or clinic, five days a week for several weeks. Patients are not radioactive during or after the treatment. For internal radiation therapy, the patient stays in the hospital for a few days. The implant may be temporary or permanent. Because the level of radiation is highest during the hospital stay, patients may not be able to have visitors, or may have visitors only for a short time. Once an implant is removed, there is no radioactivity in the body. The amount of radiation in a permanent implant goes down to a safe level before the patient leaves the hospital.

Side effects of radiation therapy depend on the treatment dose and the part of the body that is treated. The most common side effects are tiredness, skin reactions (such as a rash or redness) in the treated area, and loss of appetite. Radiation therapy can cause inflammation of tissues and organs in and around the body site radiated. Radiation therapy can also cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells. Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be unpleasant, they can usually be treated or controlled. It also helps to know that, in most cases, they are not permanent.

Lung cancer,Chemotherapy

In the original sense, a chemical that binds to and specifically kills microbes or tumor cells. The term chemotherapy was coined in this regard by Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915).
2. In oncology, drug therapy for cancer. Also called "chemo" for short.

Most cancer chemotherapeutic drugs are given IV (into a vein) or IM (into muscle). Some anticancer agents are taken orally (by mouth). Chemotherapy is usually systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body.

Patients who need many rounds of IV chemotherapy may receive the drugs through a catheter (a thin flexible tube). One end of the catheter is placed in a large vein in the chest. The other end is outside the body or attached to a small device just under the skin. Anticancer drugs are given through the catheter.

Chemotherapy is generally given in cycles: a treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on. Usually a patient has chemotherapy as an outpatient at the hospital, at a doctor's office or clinic, or at home. However, depending on which drugs are given and the patient's general health, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a short time.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the drugs and the doses the patient receives. Most anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly. These include blood cells, which fight infection, help the blood to clot, or carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When blood cells are affected by anticancer drugs, patients are more likely to develop infections, may bruise or bleed easily, and may have less energy. Cells that line the digestive tract also divide rapidly. As a result of chemotherapy, patients can have side effects, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, or mouth sores. For some patients, medicines can be prescribed to help with side effects, especially with nausea and vomiting. These side effects tend to gradually go away during the recovery period or after treatment stops.

Hair loss, another side effect of chemotherapy, is a major concern for many patients. Some chemotherapy drugs only cause the hair to thin out, while others may result in the loss of all body hair. Patients may feel better if they decide how to handle hair loss before starting treatment.

In some men and women, chemotherapy drugs cause changes that may result in a loss of fertility (the ability to have children). Loss of fertility can be temporary or permanent depending on the drugs used and the patient's age. For men, sperm banking before treatment may be a choice. Women's menstrual periods may stop and they may have hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Periods are more likely to return in young women.

In some cases, bone marrow transplantation and peripheral stem cell support are used to replace blood cell production when it has been destroyed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Lung cancer,Radiation therapy

The use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing. Like surgery, radiation therapy is a local treatment that affects cancer cells only in the treated area.

Radiation can come from a machine (external radiation or from an a small container of radioactive material implanted directly into or near the tumor (internal radiation). Some patients receive both kinds of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy is usually given on an outpatient basis in a hospital or clinic, five days a week for several weeks. Patients are not radioactive during or after the treatment. For internal radiation therapy, the patient stays in the hospital for a few days. The implant may be temporary or permanent. Because the level of radiation is highest during the hospital stay, patients may not be able to have visitors, or may have visitors only for a short time. Once an implant is removed, there is no radioactivity in the body. The amount of radiation in a permanent implant goes down to a safe level before the patient leaves the hospital.

Side effects of radiation therapy depend on the treatment dose and the part of the body that is treated. The most common side effects are tiredness, skin reactions (such as a rash or redness) in the treated area, and loss of appetite. Radiation therapy can cause inflammation of tissues and organs in and around the body site radiated. Radiation therapy can also cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells. Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be unpleasant, they can usually be treated or controlled. It also helps to know that, in most cases, they are not permanent.

Lung cancer,Chemotherapy

In the original sense, a chemical that binds to and specifically kills microbes or tumor cells. The term chemotherapy was coined in this regard by Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915).
2. In oncology, drug therapy for cancer. Also called "chemo" for short.

Most cancer chemotherapeutic drugs are given IV (into a vein) or IM (into muscle). Some anticancer agents are taken orally (by mouth). Chemotherapy is usually systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body.

Patients who need many rounds of IV chemotherapy may receive the drugs through a catheter (a thin flexible tube). One end of the catheter is placed in a large vein in the chest. The other end is outside the body or attached to a small device just under the skin. Anticancer drugs are given through the catheter.

Chemotherapy is generally given in cycles: a treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on. Usually a patient has chemotherapy as an outpatient at the hospital, at a doctor's office or clinic, or at home. However, depending on which drugs are given and the patient's general health, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a short time.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the drugs and the doses the patient receives. Most anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly. These include blood cells, which fight infection, help the blood to clot, or carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When blood cells are affected by anticancer drugs, patients are more likely to develop infections, may bruise or bleed easily, and may have less energy. Cells that line the digestive tract also divide rapidly. As a result of chemotherapy, patients can have side effects, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, or mouth sores. For some patients, medicines can be prescribed to help with side effects, especially with nausea and vomiting. These side effects tend to gradually go away during the recovery period or after treatment stops.

Hair loss, another side effect of chemotherapy, is a major concern for many patients. Some chemotherapy drugs only cause the hair to thin out, while others may result in the loss of all body hair. Patients may feel better if they decide how to handle hair loss before starting treatment.

In some men and women, chemotherapy drugs cause changes that may result in a loss of fertility (the ability to have children). Loss of fertility can be temporary or permanent depending on the drugs used and the patient's age. For men, sperm banking before treatment may be a choice. Women's menstrual periods may stop and they may have hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Periods are more likely to return in young women.

In some cases, bone marrow transplantation and peripheral stem cell support are used to replace blood cell production when it has been destroyed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Lung cancer,Radiation therapy

The use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing. Like surgery, radiation therapy is a local treatment that affects cancer cells only in the treated area.

Radiation can come from a machine (external radiation or from an a small container of radioactive material implanted directly into or near the tumor (internal radiation). Some patients receive both kinds of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy is usually given on an outpatient basis in a hospital or clinic, five days a week for several weeks. Patients are not radioactive during or after the treatment. For internal radiation therapy, the patient stays in the hospital for a few days. The implant may be temporary or permanent. Because the level of radiation is highest during the hospital stay, patients may not be able to have visitors, or may have visitors only for a short time. Once an implant is removed, there is no radioactivity in the body. The amount of radiation in a permanent implant goes down to a safe level before the patient leaves the hospital.

Side effects of radiation therapy depend on the treatment dose and the part of the body that is treated. The most common side effects are tiredness, skin reactions (such as a rash or redness) in the treated area, and loss of appetite. Radiation therapy can cause inflammation of tissues and organs in and around the body site radiated. Radiation therapy can also cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells. Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be unpleasant, they can usually be treated or controlled. It also helps to know that, in most cases, they are not permanent.

Lung cancer,Surgery

Surgery is the preferred treatment for patients with early stage NSCLC. Unfortunately, 60%-80% of all patients who have advanced or metastatic disease are not suitable for surgery.

People who have NSCLC that has not spread can tolerate surgery provided they have adequate lung function.


A portion of a lobe, a full lobe, or an entire lung may be removed. The extent of removal depends on the size of the tumor, its location, and how far it has spread.


A technique called cryosurgery is sometimes used for NSCLC. In cryosurgery, the tumor is killed by freezing it. This treatment is mainly for relief of symptoms.


Cure rates for small peripheral cancers are around 80%.


Despite complete surgical removal, a large proportion of patients with early stage cancer have recurrence of cancer and die from it.
Surgery is not widely used in SCLC. Because SCLC spreads widely and rapidly through the body, removing it all by surgery usually is impossible.

An operation for lung cancer is major surgery. Many people experience pain, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath after surgery. Most have problems moving around, coughing, and breathing deeply. The recovery period can be several weeks or even months.