| Non-Small
Cell - Surgery: |
|
Usually,
if you are able, you will be offered surgery.
This may be a lobectomy (removal of lobe
in which the cancer is located plus lymph nodes),
pneumonectomy (removal of one of the lungs
plus lymph nodes) and, rarely, a wedge resection
(removal of only the cancer and a small surrounding
amount of tissue). A wedge resection is
usually reserved for those patients who would
be at a significant risk for major side effects
or death if more lung tissue were removed, usually
because of significant damage to the lung because
of smoking, emphysema or other causes of damage.
|
|
PICTURE
(WEDGE RESECTION)
|
|
If
the cut sample of the lung is free of tumor, and if
there are no lymph nodes with cancer in them, this may
be your only treatment.
If
the pathologist determines that there are cancer cells
in the lymph nodes or at or near the cut end of the
lung, you may be offered further treatment.
Any
time you have lung surgery it is serious. Complications
can include:
- Bleeding
- Pain
(even
months after the surgery)
- Infection
- Shortness
of breath
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Death
You
may also need blood transfusions. You may want to donate
your own blood beforehand or have family and friends
donate on your behalf.
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|
| Often
you will not be able to eat or drink for several
days after your surgery. If you are a coffee,
tea or other caffeine-containing beverage drinker,
you may want to consider slowing down the amount
you take before surgery. It will let you have
an easier post-operative course. |
|
| Make
sure you ask your doctor to explain all the possible
side effects and don't be afraid to ask questions
about things you don't understand. |
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