Non Surgical Treatment for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is characterized by unrestrained growth of cells of the lungs. The National Cancer Institute reports that approximately 225,000 cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. No complete cure for lung cancer exists, but numerous non-surgical treatment methods are available which effectively restrain the multiplication of the cancerous cells.

Types of Non-Surgical Treatments

• There are newer drugs that are being used on a limited basis to treat certain forms of lung cancer. But chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation therapy are some of the most commonly administered non-surgical treatment forms. These treatments help in killing the malignant cells and thus avert their metastasis.

Duration

• The duration for administering the above mentioned treatment forms differ, depending on the spreading of the cancer within your body. Nevertheless, in most cases chemotherapy sessions are held periodically over the span of three-four months, while radiotherapy sessions are held regularly for one-two months.

Benefits and Advantages

• Non-Surgical treatment methods are advantageous to elderly patients and to those who cannot undergo surgery in order to remove the cancer cells due to heart disorders and other medical conditions.

Side Effects

• Hair loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and tiredness, and skin infections are some common side effects related with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Warnings

• While undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy you might be advised by your doctors to avoid exposure to sun radiations and environmental toxins and pollutants.