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Post Lung Cancer Surgery Complications

Surgery is often the primary treatment for early stage lung cancer and the initial course of action for patients with a stage two malignancy that's followed up with chemotherapy and radiation. During an operation for lung cancer your surgeon works to remove the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue. There are several risks and potential complications associated with this procedure.

  1. Types of Lung Cancer Surgeries

    • There are three basic types of lung cancer surgeries. An operation that is referred to as a wedge resection removes only a small portion of the cancerous lung along with surrounding tissue. During a lobectomy the entire lobe of one lung is taken out. The whole lung is removed during a surgery called pneumonectomy.

      Your surgeon may also remove lymph nodes from the chest areas and examine them for signs of cancer. If cancer is detected it's a pretty reliable indicator that the malignancy has spread to other areas of your body.

    Surgery Risks

    • Lung cancer surgery has several risks that are associated with most major operations. They include bleeding and the possibility of infection at the site of the incision. If an infection does occur it is usually treated with antibiotics.Your doctor will do whatever possible to prevent any excessive bleeding.

    Breathing Difficulties

    • The Mayo Clinic says it is not uncommon to experience shortness of breath following lung cancer surgery. As time goes on, your lung tissue will expand and breathing will become less difficult.

    Chest & Arm Pain

    • Your chest muscles may be quite painful after undergoing lung cancer surgery. There may also be discomfort in your arm on the side where the surgery was performed.

      The American Cancer Society says that, because the ribs must be spread in order to reach the lungs, the incision may be very sore for an extended period and activity will be restricted for approximately six weeks.

      Physical therapy may help rebuild your strength and improve the flexibility of your arm.

    Pneumonia

    • According to the ACS, another potentially serious complication following lung cancer surgery is pneumonia. In such cases patients may need ventilatory support (mechanical assistance with breathing) and antibiotics.

    Mortality

    • The ACS says that, although it is rare, patients occasionally die as a result of lung cancer surgery. This unlikely possibility is why surgeons must use great care when choosing patients for the operation.

    Resuming Normal Activites

    • Assuming that the lungs are in good shape apart from the malignancy, most patients can eventually resume their regular activities after a lobe or an entire lung has been removed.

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