Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Treatment
Author: mzPOTTER
Treatment
If the cancer is in the chest and no evidence of spread to other parts, surgery is the primary treatment for all cancers of the lung. You can perform three types of surgery:
* Wedge resection: removal of only a small part of the lung
* Lobectomy-removal of a lung lobe
* Pneumonectomy: removal of entire lung
* VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopy) by this procedure, which can be diagnostic and therapeutic, the surgeon places a flexible tube into an incision in the chest and can visually inspect the surfaces near the internal and external coatings lung area, and can even Surgery to remove abnormal areas. Compared to a major operation called a thoracotomy, is a less invasive procedure.
These surgical procedures involve the removal of part or all of the lung and because many patients have a decrease in lung function from smoking, it is important to conduct a comprehensive review of existing lung function and lung function predictable after surgical removal . This is especially important for people with lung disorders such as emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Depending on the degree of cancer spread (stage), treatment may include chemotherapy and radiotherapy before and / or after surgery. The stages are defined according to tumor size and degree of spread. Stages I to III are divided into two categories “A” and “B”. Tumors belonging to Stage I are small and do not invade neighboring tissues or organs. Tumors belonging to stages II and III invade the tissue and/or nearby organs and spread to the lymph nodes. Tumors belonging to stage IV spread outside the chest area.
People with serious medical problems that hinder the completion of surgery may receive radiation therapy to shrink the tumor, or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
When the tumor has spread, is likely to recommend chemotherapy to slow the growth of cancer if they can not cure the disease. Chemotherapy has been shown to reduce symptoms and prolong life in advanced lung cancer.
Over the past decade, have developed a series of new and specific treatments as a result of better understanding the genetics of lung cancer and specific abnormalities of lung cancer cells. These agents are called targeted therapies, and that specifically target the abnormal biochemical pathways in cancer development and growth. In specialized centers, we can evaluate the cancerous tissue removed for specific genetic abnormalities (DNA) and then talks.
Radiation therapy may be recommended to relieve symptoms. The use of radiation is especially important for the treatment of lung cancer that has spread to the brain or bones, causing pain. Also lutiliza alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat lung cancer located in the chest.
When To Call a Professional
Call your doctor immediately in the presence of any of the symptoms of lung cancer, especially if you smoke or have worked in an industry with high exposure to asbestos.
Forecast
The prognosis depends on the stage of cancer and overall patient health. In general, the prognosis is poor, especially if lung cancer has spread to areas external to the chest wall or has involved mediastinal lymph nodes. This cancer can be cured only after surgery or radiotherapy have completely removed the tumor. However, many lung cancers are diagnosed at a stage when it is no longer possible. About 17% of people with adenocarcinoma survive 5 years after diagnosis.