Lung cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lung tissue, potentially disrupting breathing function and spreading to other organs if not treated properly. This disease often develops without symptoms in its early stages, which is why many cases are only detected at an advanced stage. Symptoms to watch out for include persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss. Therefore, recognizing early signs is crucial so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible.
As medical technology continues to advance, lung cancer treatment options have become more diverse and can be tailored to each patient’s condition. These range from conventional methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to more modern approaches like cryoablation available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. These treatment options provide new hope for patients to receive more effective and minimally invasive care based on their medical needs.
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Lung Cancer Treatments
Here are several types of lung cancer treatments that can be adjusted according to each patient’s condition:
1. Surgery
During surgery, the surgeon aims to remove the part of the lung affected by cancer along with some surrounding healthy tissue. Types of procedures include:
- Wedge resection: removal of a small portion of the lung containing cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue
- Segmental resection: removal of a larger portion of the lung, but not an entire lobe
- Lobectomy: removal of an entire lobe of the lung
- Pneumonectomy: removal of an entire lung
The surgeon may also remove lymph nodes in the chest to check for cancer spread.
Surgery is usually an option if the cancer is still confined to the lungs. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor. After surgery, additional therapy may be recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence.
2. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to destroy cancer cells. During the procedure, the patient lies on a table while a machine directs radiation precisely to the affected area.
For lung cancer that has spread within the chest, radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery and is often combined with chemotherapy. If surgery is not possible, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be the primary treatment.
Radiation therapy can also help relieve symptoms in advanced cases where cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. These medications are usually administered through an IV, although some are available in pill form. Treatment is given in cycles over several weeks or months, with rest periods in between to allow recovery.
Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. It may also be used before surgery to shrink tumors or combined with radiation therapy.
In advanced lung cancer, chemotherapy can help relieve pain and other symptoms.
4. Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
Stereotactic body radiotherapy is a high-intensity radiation treatment that targets cancer from multiple angles with high precision. It is typically completed in one or a few sessions.
This method can be an option for patients with small lung tumors who are not suitable candidates for surgery. SBRT can also be used to treat lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.
5. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack certain components of cancer cells. By blocking these targets, cancer cells can be destroyed.
This treatment is generally used for patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer. However, it is only effective for patients whose cancer cells have specific genetic mutations, which must be identified through laboratory testing.
6. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Cancer cells can often evade the immune system, and this therapy helps the body detect and destroy them.
In lung cancer, immunotherapy may be used after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells or as a treatment option when surgery is not possible.
7. Cryoablation
Cryoablation is a treatment method that destroys cancer cells by freezing them.
This therapy is commonly used for advanced lung cancer or for patients who are not suitable for surgery. Cryoablation can help shrink tumors that block the airways, thereby relieving symptoms such as:
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Chest infections in the affected lung area
The cryoablation procedure at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is performed by dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, an interventional radiology consultant experienced in image-guided minimally invasive procedures.
With this expertise, cryoablation can be performed precisely to target tumor tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, providing optimal treatment outcomes for patients.
Advantages of Cryoablation for Lung Cancer Treatment
Cryoablation offers several advantages, making it a modern alternative in lung cancer treatment:
1. Minimally invasive without major surgery
The procedure involves inserting a thin needle-like probe through the skin into the tumor, guided by imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan. Without large incisions, the risk of bleeding and complications is lower.
2. Fewer side effects and faster recovery
Compared to conventional surgery, cryoablation generally causes fewer side effects. The incision is very small, resulting in minimal scarring and quicker recovery time.
3. Better preservation of healthy tissue
Cryoablation works by freezing cancer cells in a targeted manner. With real-time imaging guidance, doctors can precisely control the treatment area, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
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