Articles Index

Lung Cancer Treatments - An Overview of Lung Cancer Treatments
There are several types of lung cancer treatments. What lung cancer treatments are commonly used, and what new lung cancer treatments are available?

Chemotherapy - Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy
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 of chemotherapy, when to call your doctor and what to expect can help you work most effectively with your cancer care team.

What Should You Know About Blood Clots During Lung Cancer Treatment?
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?

Lung Cancer and Clinical Trials - Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?
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.

Types and Phases of Clinical Trials
When choosing clinical trials it is important to be aware of the types and phases of clinical trials. What are the types and phases of clinical trials?

Lung Cancer and Clinical Trials
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.

Types of Lung Cancer Surgery
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.

What Should I Know About Neutropenia 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?

How to Prepare For Lung Cancer Surgery
How can you prepare for lung cancer surgery? What should you do before lung cancer surgery to make it as successful as possible?

Malignant Pleural Effusion
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?

What Is Radiation Pneumonitis?
Radiation pneumonitis can occur as a side effect of radiation therapy for lung cancer. What is radiation pneumonitis?

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer
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.

Coping With Nausea and Vomiting During Chemotherapy
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?

Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
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.

Lung Cancer Treatments - Surgery for Lung Cancer
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.

Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer
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.

Dan's Story - Initial Treatment of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
How do you choose the best treatment after being diagnosed with lung cancer? Dan's story illustrates that many options sometimes exist for the same cancer.

Bone Marrow Suppression - A Side Effect of Chemotherapy
Bone marrow suppression is a common side effect of chemotherapy. What should you know about bone marrow suppression during chemotherapy?

Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer
Currently used primarily for stage 3 and 4 lung cancers, targeted therapies offer new treatment options for advanced lung cancer. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapies target cancer cells specifically and spare healthy tissue.

What Should I Know About Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelets) 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.

Clinical Trials - How to Find Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer Treatment
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.

What Should I Know About Anemia During Chemotherapy?
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.

Managing Common Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
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.

Complementary / Alternative Therapies for Lung Cancer
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.