Surgical Management of Lung Cancer Flashcards
What are the key principles of surgical treatment for lung cancer?
Resectability: Surgery is suitable for early-stage, localized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Stages I-III), without distant spread.
Type of surgery:
Lobectomy (removal of one lobe) is the most common.
Pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung) for centrally located tumors.
Segmentectomy/Wedge resection for smaller tumors or early-stage disease.
What is involved in pre-operative assessment for lung cancer surgery?
Assess lung function (spirometry) and overall fitness.
Evaluate for any comorbidities that could affect surgery (e.g., cardiovascular issues).
Ensure that the tumor is resectable and that margins will be clear after surgery.
What are the main outcomes of surgical treatment for lung cancer?
Survival rates:
Stage I: High 5-year survival rates (50-70%).
Stage II/III: Survival rates lower, with adjuvant chemotherapy often recommended to improve outcomes.
Recurrence: There’s a risk of the cancer returning, either locally or distantly, especially in more advanced stages.
Post-surgical complications:
Respiratory issues (e.g., pneumonia, atelectasis).
Reduced lung function, particularly after lobectomy or pneumonectomy.
What is the overall goal of surgery for lung cancer?
To offer the best chance of long-term survival for early-stage cancer.
Outcome depends on tumor stage, resectability, and the patient’s health (lung function and fitness for surgery).
