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Martin J. Edelman, M.D.

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Lung cancer - non-small cell

Alternative Names:

Cancer - lung - non-small cell; Non-small cell lung cancer; NSCLC

Treatment:

There are many different types of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer:

Treatment depends upon the stage of the cancer. A combination of treatments may be needed. Research has suggested that chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy prior to surgery might be the best treatment for some patients.

Surgery is the often the first line of treatment for most patients with stage I and II non-small cell lung cancer, and some patients with stage III tumors. Surgery can cure the disease.

Chemotherapy alone is often used when the cancer has spread (stage IV). Chemotherapy has been shown to prolong the life and improve the quality of life in some stage IV patients.

Support Groups:

For additional information and resources, see cancer support group .

Expectations (prognosis):

Cure rates are related to the stage of disease and whether you are able to have surgery.

Complications:

References:

Mehra R, Moore BA, Crothers K, Tetrault J, Fiellin DA. The association between marijuana smoking and lung cancer: a systematic review. Arch Intern Med . 2006 Jul 10;166(13):1359-67.

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society; 2006.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Lung cancer screening. Ann Int Med. 2004;140:738-739.

Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG. Clinical Oncology . 3rd ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2004:1690-1701.

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