Depending upon the stage and type of lung cancer diagnosed, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. New treatments, that specifically target lung cancer are becoming available.
Lung cancer research is looking at new ways to screen for, diagnose, and prevent lung cancer. What's new in lung cancer research?
A malignant pleural effusion can occur as a complication of lung cancer. What is a malignant pleural effusion, how is it diagnosed, and how is it treated?
Radiation pneumonitis can occur as a side effect of radiation therapy for lung cancer. What is radiation pneumonitis?
Nausea and Vomiting are dreaded side effects of chemotherapy. What causes nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, which medications are more likely to cause nausea, and what treatments are available?
Bone marrow suppression is a common side effect of chemotherapy. What should you know about bone marrow suppression during chemotherapy?
Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and can result in serious infections. What are the symptoms of neutropenia, how is it diagnosed, and how is it treated during chemotherapy?
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets) can occur as a side effect of chemotherapy. Learn the symptoms, how it is treated, things you can do to cope, and when you should call if you experience this problem.
Anemia is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Knowing the symptoms of anemia, treatment options, and what you can do to cope, can help you understand this often undertreated symptom.
How can you prepare for lung cancer surgery? What should you do before lung cancer surgery to make it as successful as possible?
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVTs) are a common and serious complication of lung cancer treatment. What are the symptoms you should watch for, and what can you do to prevent them?
Several types of lung cancer surgery are available. The type of lung cancer surgery, whether a wedge resection, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy will depend on the size and location of your lung cancer, as well as your general health.
Palliative chemotherapy is often misunderstood by patients. It is chemotherapy meant to improve symptoms and quality of life for those living with cancer, but does not necessarily improve survival. Understanding the goals of palliative chemotherapy, and questions to ask, can help you make the best decision for your own situation.
Finding clinical trials for lung cancer can offer options not otherwise available for treatment. Clinical trials -- also known as experimental treatments for lung cancer -- can be found in several databases as well as matching services.
Is a clinical trial right for you? Do you know the risks and benefits of clinical trials? What questions should you ask about clinical trials? Weighing the risks and benefits and having a list of questions to ask can help you decide if a clinical trial is right for you.
Side effects of radiation therapy for lung cancer are common. Managing these side effects can ease some of the symptoms of radiation therapy. Tips for managing skin irritation, fatigue, difficulty swallowing and cough can lessen the the impact of these side effects of radiation therapy during your treatment.
Surgery for lung cancer can often cure lung cancer in the early stages. Knowing the types of lung cancer surgery, risks involved in surgery, and what to expect before and after lung cancer surgery can help you discuss with your health care team if this is the best option for you.
What are clinical trials for lung cancer? What are the benefits? What are the risks? Are there different types or phases of clinical trials? How can I find a clinical trial near my home? Having an understanding of what clinical trials entail can help you decide whether an experimental new treatment may be something you wish to consider.
When choosing a clinical trial it is important to be aware of types of trials. Is the trial designed to treat cancer, or to improve quality of life but without extending life? Trials are placed into phases that look at the safety and effectiveness of a drug or treatment from its first use in people to its approval by the FDA.
Radiation therapy is frequently used with or without chemotherapy and surgery for the treatment of lung cancer. Short-term side effects such as skin irritation, fatigue, and inflammation of the esophagus can occur. Long-term side effects including radiation pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and secondary cancers should be discussed with your radiation oncologist.
When is radiation therapy recommended for lung cancer? How is it given? What side effects does radiation therapy have? Are there different types of radiation therapy? Radiation therapy is used alone or along with chemotherapy or surgery for many people with lung cancer. Having a basic understanding of radiation therapy can help you play an active role in your treatment choices.
You may hear about alternative lung cancer treatments if you have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage -- all have been talked about as being able to help with lung cancer symptoms. While many of these have not been extensively studied, some are considered solid, alternative lung cancer treatments.
We have all heard about the side effects of chemotherapy: hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, low blood counts and mouth sores. Having an awareness of the common side effects experienced with chemotherapy, when to call your doctor and what to expect can help you work most effectively with your cancer care team. Tremendous strides with the management of chemotherapy side effects over the last several years has made chemotherapy more comfortable than in the past.
My doctor advised chemotherapy for my lung cancer. Why and how is chemotherapy given? Will I have side effects from chemotherapy? What are some of the medications used for lung cancer? Chemotherapy is used often during lung cancer treatment. It is often used as an adjunct, in addition to surgery, to prolong survival, and to improve the symptoms of lung cancer.
Depending upon type and stage of your cancer, options may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Newer targeted therapies, clinical trials, and complimentary medicine offer additional approaches in treating lung cancer.
Currently used primarily for stage 3 and 4 lung cancers, targeted therapies offer new treatment options for advanced lung cancer.
A friend's story about the intial stages of choosing treatment for non small cell lung cancer.
After a diagnosis of lung cancer, many people turn to complementary or alternative treatments in addition to traditional methods of therapy. About.com's Alternative Medicine Guide, Cathy Wong, gives an overview of some of these alternative healing therapies.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine offers tips on talking to your healthcare providers about complementary alternative medicine.
Visualization therapy is a common complementary therapy for those being treated for lung cancer. Visualization can instill a sense of calm and help with relaxation. Many cancer centers are adding complementary therapies such as visualization to their options for cancer patients.
