Surgery

The standard treatment for an early stage cancer is the removal of part or all of the infected lung. Doctors can remove the tumour, but it depends on where it is in the lung. There are different types of surgery depending on the stage of cancer:

• Lobectomy:
  The removal of a lobe of the lungs (the right lung has three lobes; the left lung has two lobes because of the heart)
• Pneumonectomy:
  The removal of an entire lung.
• Sleeve lobectomy:
  The removal of a lobe of the lung, along with a section of the main bronchus (the tubes that lead from the windpipe to the lungs).
• Sleeve re-section:
  The removal of a section of the bronchus.

After surgery, patients may find it difficult to breathe deeply, cough, or move in certain ways because air and fluid can pool in the lungs. However, it’s important to take deep breaths and cough in order to prevent the lungs from collapsing. Recovery could take several weeks.

If the cancer has spread, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the two may also be recommended.

Chemotherapy

Usually given by an intravenous injection or pill, the amount of anti-cancer medication used to kill cancerous cells depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease, as well as the patient's height, weight and overall health.

Everyone reacts differently to chemotherapy:

• Fatigue:
  Patients should rest as much as possible and preserve their energy to help their bodies fight the cancer cells.
• Hair loss:
  This is usually temporary.
• Nausea:
  Doctors may prescribe medication to help with nausea.
• Lack of appetite:
  Chemotherapy can change the sense of taste.
• Infection, bleeding:
  Treatment can lower a number of blood cells including white blood cells, which could increase the risk of infection; platelets, which could increase the risk of bleeding; and red blood cells, which could cause tiredness and fatigue.

Radiation

High-energy rays can be used to kill cancer cells to prevent them from splitting and spreading. Used before surgery, radiation can shrink a tumour. Afterwards, it can kill any remaining cancer cells.

People who have radiation treatment feel tired and should rest. The body is trying to fight the cancer and needs all energy it can get. Radiation patients can also lose some of their hair, particularly on their chest. Skin can also become dry and irritated. Drinking lots of water and using mild creams or oils can help.

Laser surgery
An intense beam of light can be aimed at the tumour to destroy a cancerous growth. It can make patients feel nauseous, vomit, cough, feel short of breath, have problems swallowing, or cause the area that was treated to swell.

Photodynamic therapy
This form of treatment combines a light source (such as a laser) with a light-sensitive drug to kill cancer cells. Patients may feel their skin is sensitive, feel like vomiting or coughing, complain of a metallic taste in their mouth and have problems swallowing.