There are many alternative lung cancer treatments that may be used. Which of these treatments to undertake depends on the severity of the cancer and the location of the tumor. When lung cancer is at stage one or two, surgery is the best option unless you have any health issues like heart problems or other lung problems.
Also, if the tumor is close to any of the vital organs, surgery might be ruled out and it is obviously best to take the advice of your physician as to which treatment to start. Some of the alternative lung cancer treatments are:
- Wedge resection or segmentectomy
- Lobectomy
- Pneumonectomy
- Video-assisted thorarcic surgery
Would surgery be an option if the tumour is developing around the pancreatic area? I know it’s a major organ, but I heard this has been done before..
Hi Norman. Well, it would be a major surgical operation with some potentially serious risks. It depends on how far the tumour has spread, but I recall that only 15-20% of people are suitable for this type of surgery. If things don’t work out, it can inhibit your digestive system. It’s very difficult to fully recover from this type of surgery, and statistics show that results are no better than Whipple’s operation.