About the Treatment Method
Lung Cancer Treatment and Recovery
A detailed Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is absolutely performed before the surgery to measure the capacity of the other lobes. In the vast majority of operated patients, the remaining 4 lobes expand in a very short time, filling the space of the removed lobe and taking over its function. After a few weeks of recovery, the person continues to breathe completely normally and without the need for an oxygen machine.
In the past, it was done with wide incisions between the ribs (Open Thoracotomy). However, today, in early-stage cancers, this surgery is performed completely comfortably with the closed (VATS or Robotic Surgery) method; by making only 2-3 tiny holes in the rib cage and using a camera.
The international oncological standard in lung cancer is to remove not only the tumor but also the anatomical section (lobe) in which that tumor is located and the regional lymph nodes draining to that lobe en bloc in order to reduce the risk of recurrence of cancer to zero. Removing only the mass generally results in higher recurrence rates.
The information on this page is for general health advice. Please consult specialized physicians for personalized treatment or advice.