
Health
Treatments for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell and non-small cell (NSCLC) are the two main types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. It usually grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer. There are three common types of non-small cell lung cancer; squamous cell carcinomas are usually found in the center of the lung next to an air tube, adenocarcinomas are often found in an outer area of the lung and large cell carcinomas can occur in any part of the lung. Smoking causes most cases around 90% of lung cancer. Often not recognized immediately signs of non-small cell lung cancer include a cough that doesn’t go away and shortness of breath. Treatment options are most often determined by the progress of the disease, not every option will be recommended for every patient. The following are treatment options for non small lung cancer patients should discuss when meeting with their physician: 1. Chemotherapy and radiation Chemotherapy or radiation is a consideration alone, or prior to any surgical procedure. For people with non-small cell lung tumors that can be surgically removed, evidence suggests that chemotherapy after surgery may help prevent the cancer from returning. Receiving chemotherapy before radiation or surgery may help people with lung cancer by shrinking the tumor enough to make it easier to remove with surgery, increasing the effectiveness of radiation and destroying hidden cancer cells at the earliest possible time.
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