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Radiation Vs. Chemo for Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer is cancer that develops in the tissue of the lungs. According to the National Cancer Institute, 159,390 people in the United States died of lung cancer in 2009.

  1. Cause

    • Smoking, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, is the most common cause of lung cancer.

    Radiation

    • Radiation therapy employs high-energy X-rays to wipe out cancer cells or prevent their growth. Radiation can be given through an external machine, or through needles or wires that are placed near the tumor.

    Chemotherapy

    • Chemotherapy involves chemicals that kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. Like radiation, chemotherapy kills cancer cells or stops their growth. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously or placed directly into an organ.

    Other Treatments

    • Surgery, biologic therapy, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, cryosurgery and electrocautery are also used to treat lung cancer. You may be able to undergo experimental treatments by participating in a clinical trial.

    Considerations

    • Treatment options depend on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and the patient's overall health. However, lung cancer usually cannot be cured, regardless of treatment.

    Function

    • Although treatment cannot cure cancer, treatment is used to prolong life, prevent the spread of cancer, and manage pain.

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