How to treat lung tumors

If a tumor is found in the lungs, the treatment will depend on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Typically, lung tumors are treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Each approach has its own unique mechanism of action and applicable scenarios.

Surgery is one of the common ways to treat lung tumors, especially for tumors that are found in the early stages. Through surgery, doctors can directly remove the tumor and some of the tissue around it to prevent the spread of cancer cells. After surgery, the patient may need some time to recover, but if the tumor is completely removed, the prognosis is usually good.

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is usually used for patients who cannot undergo surgery or as an adjuvant treatment after surgery. The advantage of radiotherapy is that it can accurately locate the tumor and reduce damage to surrounding normal tissues. However, radiotherapy may cause some side effects, such as fatigue and skin reactions, but these side effects are usually temporary.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is suitable for patients whose cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy drugs can reach the whole body through the blood circulation and help control the growth and spread of cancer cells. However, chemotherapy may also affect normal cells and cause nausea, hair loss and other discomfort.

With the advancement of medicine, targeted therapy and immunotherapy have gradually become new options for lung tumor treatment. Targeted therapy inhibits the growth of cancer cells by interfering with specific molecules, while immunotherapy fights cancer by enhancing the body's immune system. These treatments usually have fewer side effects and can be used in combination with traditional therapies to improve treatment effectiveness.

When choosing a treatment plan, the doctor will consider the patient's specific situation and develop a personalized treatment plan. Patients should also actively communicate with their doctors to understand the pros and cons of each treatment and participate in treatment decisions. In the face of lung cancer, maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude and cooperating with treatment are important factors in overcoming the disease. Through reasonable treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many patients can achieve a good quality of life.