Question 1

1) What is Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Lung Cancer Surgery, is a medical procedure for the treatment of Lung Cancer. The type of procedure depends upon the stage, type, and mainly relies upon the location of the cancer or any other medical complications. This surgery basically aims to remove a the tumour along with the nearby tissues to rule out all possible chances of its spread.
This method is the most effective when the tumour is localized and has not spread to the nearby tissues and cells, which includes non-small cell lung cancers and carcinoid tumours. It is a very complex and sensitive procedure and must be performed with utmost precision. This surgery may also be combined with other therapies and treatments based on the stage of the cancer.

Question 2

2) Why does one need to perform Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

A Lung Cancer Surgery is usually performed to eradicate the smallest sign of the presence of the tumour. It is done to prevent the recurrence of the cancer and also any possibility of the occurrence of the tumour. Some of the factors that determine the type of procedure to be followed are:
1.The type of cancer
2.The location of the cancer
3.Your overall health
4.Lung function
5.The extent of spread of cancer

Question 3

3) What are the risk factors for Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Lung Cancer Surgery is a sensitive procedure accompanied by quite a few complications which include:
1.Damage to structures in or near the lungsGeneral risks due to the surgery
2.Risks from general anaesthesia
3.Bleeding due to the surgery
4.Infection
5.Blood clots like pulmonary thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism.
6.Pneumothorax, which is the collapse of the lungs.
7.Post-thoracic pain syndrome

Question 4

4) How effective is Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of the surgery mainly depends on the type of cancer ats each stage of the cancer.
In its primary stages, radiotherapy alone is sufficient for the treatment.
In a more advanced stage, a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is implemented.
If the cancer has spread to its nearby tissues and lymph nodes, the effectiveness is relatively low than a cancer treated at its initial stage.

Question 5

5) When is the right time to undergo Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate time to undergo a Lung Cancer Surgery is when the cancer is at its prime stages, when it is localizsed and completely treated. Your oncologist will suggest you to undergo a surgery without delay after the presence of diagnosis of lung cancer and theits extent to which it has been determined.

Question 6

6) Can I avoid Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Lung Cancer Surgery is usually performed to treat a small cell cancer. For a more advanced and largely spread cancer, the effectiveness of this surgery is proved to be very scarce. An advanced staged cancer patient usually undergoes chemotherapy or any other radiation therapies. Also, your physical health is a huge determinant of the requirement of a surgery. Your oncologist or your doctor will analyse your condition and recommend the best- suited treatment according to your needs.

Question 7

7) What are pre-diagnostic measures in Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Your oncologist will prescribe some tests to be performed to determine the kind of treatment you require and to determine if you are physically fit to undergo a surgery. Some of these tests are
1.Physical exam of general health
2.Lung tests to assess if you can sustain the surgery
3.Electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor the electrical activity of your heart.
4.Spirometry to measure the amount of air your lungs can breathe in and out.

Question 8

8) How is Lung Cancer Surgery performed?

Accepted Answer

Basically, Lung Cancer Surgery is performed through different approaches, which relies upon the stage of cancer, the expertise of the surgeon, and several other factors:

Thoracotomy
Your surgeon will make an incision on your back and side of the chest and follow the curve of your ribs. It is followed by dividing the muscles of the chest wall, with the aid of an instrument the lungs are operated, and the incision is closed.
Minimally Invasive Surgery or Thoracoscopy or Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy
Your surgeon will make one to four incisions and monitor the insides of your lungs through a camera inserted through one of these incisions. The instruments required for the procedure is inserted through another incision which is operated from the outside by a
specialist surgeon.
Lobectomy
It is the removal or resection of the cancerous lobe of the lung and a portion of the main bronchus to that lung affected by lung cancer. It is the most commonly performed procedure for lung cancer.
Segmentectomy
Your surgeon will remove one to four segments of the cancerous lobe in order to save the unaffected tissue.

Wedge Resection
It is the removal of a small, wedge-shaped part of the lung tissue surrounding the affected cancerous cells.
Pneumonectomy
It is the removal of the entire lung affected by the tumour.

Question 9

9) How long will Lung Cancer Surgery take?

Accepted Answer

Lung Cancer Surgery will take around two to three hours to be performed. A thoracoscopy may take longer than open surgery. It also depends on the extent of your tumour and the expertise of the surgeon.

Question 10

10) What components are used in Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

The components used in Lung Cancer Surgery are the basic surgical tools and equipments required for the surgery. Any additional material required will be mentioned by your oncologist.

Question 11

11) Will I experience pain?

Accepted Answer

A slight pain will be experienced right after the surgery due to the incisions. Your doctor will prescribe you with medications to suppress the pain. Some amount of pain may be experienced in the chest area in the following weeks. Any abnormal pain must be reported as soon as possible and looked into by your doctor.

Question 12

12) What is the duration of recovery?

Accepted Answer

A typical case of Lung Cancer Surgery will take around two to three weeks to recover. This, when accompanied by proper care, slight exercise, regular follow up appointments etc. can contribute to a speedy recovery.

Question 13

13) What activities can be performed after Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

It is extremely necessary to perform some kind of slight exercise after your surgery in order to increase circulation of blood, thus preventing blood clots. Few breathing exercises will be taught to you by a physiotherapist to assist in your breathing pattern. Walking and swimming are some of the recommended exercises for patients recovering from lung cancer.

Question 14

14) What is the cost of Lung Cancer Surgery in India?

Accepted Answer

A Lung Cancer Surgery cost may range anywhere from six lakhs to ten lakhs. There are several health care aids provided by insurance and cancer treatment centres to avail a cost- efficient treatment.

Question 15

15) Do people come from abroad for Lung Cancer Surgery to India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a lot of people come from abroad to undergo lung cancer treatment due to the various benefits India offers in the field of cancer treatment. India has access to cutting edge technological tools, diagnostic- equipments, some of the best surgeons in the world and well-equipped hospitals at a cheaper price when compared to that of the developed countries.

Question 16

16) How do I choose the best doctor and hospital for Lung Cancer Surgery?

Accepted Answer

This decision is completely dependent on the judgement of the patient and the family members. By taking into consideration all factors such as financial status, mental state, doctors availability, type and stage of cancer, a wise decision should be made.

Lung Cancer Surgery

Symptoms

The signs / symptoms of lung cancer are:

Diagnosis

Lung cancer can be diagnosed using the following methods:

Treatment

Risks

The risks involved in a Lung Cancer Surgery are:

After Procedure

Post-surgery, it is essential to keep in mind the following:

Lung Cancer Surgery from one of the best multi-speciality hospital: Fortis Malar Hospital, Adyar, Chennai

Dr. Vijayasaratha K

Dr. Rajkumar K

Dr. Prasanna Thomas