What next after lung cancer diagnosis?

Question

My 49 yr old father was told he has lung cancer. They had to remove his entire left lung and part of 3 ribs that the tumor had attached to. We won't know until tue/wed of next week what type it is. How likely is it that it has not spread anywhere?

Answer 1

I'm sorry Terri, but if they removed rib, then it sounds as if the lung cancer has already spread.

Did they not do a PET/CT/bone scan to determine if tumors showed up anywhere else?

Answer 2

Your chances varies based on some of your dads signs or symptoms. If it spread to the rib it already spread, hopefully not past the rib. This website i am listing has details about all types/forms of lung cancer.

Answer 3

First I want to say that I am sorry about the situation, it is a very difficult one.

From the description of the procedure your father underwent, it would seem that the lung cancer is fairly advanced.  But the type of lung cancer as well as additional information from imaging procedures such as CT Scans and PET scans determines what happens next.  It is possible that he will need additional treatments such as chemotherapy.

But you really need to have a discussion with your Father's medical cancer specialist. When you do, also inquire about potential clinical trials in addition to standard therapies.

Answer 4

You say the sugery has been done and one side lung removed. Now the treatments to be followed after this are -

You and your doctor choose a cancer treatment regimen based on a number of factors, such as your overall health, the type and stage of your cancer, and your own preferences. Treatment options typically include one or more treatments, like chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted drug therapy. Had you given more details it would have been better to tell the further course of treatment to be taken. However please note the following -

Treatment options for non-small cell lung cancers  

Stage  Common options  

I  Surgery  

II  Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation  

IIIA  Combined chemotherapy and radiation, sometimes surgery based on results of treatment  

IIIB  Chemotherapy, sometimes radiation  

IV  Chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, clinical trials, supportive care  

Surgery

During surgery your surgeon works to remove the lung cancer and a margin of healthy tissue. Procedures to remove lung cancer include:

Wedge resection to remove a small section of lung that contains the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue

Lobectomy to remove the entire lobe of one lung

Pneumonectomy to remove an entire lung

If you undergo surgery, your surgeon may also remove lymph nodes from your chest in order to check them for signs of cancer. If your lymph nodes contain cancer cells, this usually indicates that cancer has spread, even if cancer hasn't been detected outside of your chest.

Lung cancer surgery carries risks, including bleeding and infection. Expect to feel short of breath after lung surgery. Your lung tissue will expand over time and make it easier to breathe. You may also feel pain in the muscles of your chest and in your arm on the side where you had the operation. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or a rehabilitation program to help you restore your strength and range of motion.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. One or more chemotherapy drugs may be administered through a vein in your arm (intravenously) or taken orally. A combination of drugs usually is given in a series of treatments over a period of weeks or months, with breaks in between so that your body can recover.

Chemotherapy can be used as a first line treatment for lung cancer or as additional treatment after surgery. In some cases, chemotherapy can be used to lessen side effects of your cancer.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be directed at your lung cancer from outside your body (external beam radiation) or it can be put inside needles, seeds or catheters and placed inside your body near the cancer (brachytherapy).

Radiation therapy can be used alone or along with other lung cancer treatments. Sometimes it's administered at the same time as chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can also be used to lessen side effects of lung cancer.

Targeted drug therapy -

Targeted therapies are newer cancer treatments that work by targeting specific abnormalities in cancer cells. Targeted therapy options for treating lung cancer include:

Bevacizumab (Avastin). Bevacizumab stops a tumor from creating a new blood supply. Blood vessels that connect to tumors can supply oxygen and nutrients to the tumor, allowing it to grow. Bevacizumab is usually used in combination with chemotherapy and is approved for advanced and recurrent non-small cell lung cancer. Bevacizumab carries a risk of severe bleeding.

Erlotinib (Tarceva). Erlotinib blocks chemicals that signal the cancer cells to grow and divide. Erlotinib is approved for people with advanced and recurrent non-small cell lung cancer that haven't been helped by chemotherapy. Erlotinib side effects include a skin rash and diarrhea.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are studies of new lung cancer treatment methods. You may be interested in enrolling in a clinical trial if lung cancer treatments aren't working or if your treatment options are limited. The treatments studied in a clinical trial may be the latest innovations, but they don't guarantee a cure. Carefully weigh your treatment options with your doctor. Your participation in a clinical trial may help doctors better understand how to treat lung cancer in the future.

Supportive (palliative) care

When treatments offer little chance for a cure, your doctor may recommend you avoid harsh treatments and opt for supportive care instead. If you're receiving supportive care, your doctor may treat any signs and symptoms you experience to make you feel more comfortable, but you won't receive treatment aimed at stopping your cancer. Supportive care allows you to make the most of your final weeks or months without enduring treatment side effects that can negatively impact your quality of life.-

Answer 5

Depends on how long he has had it.My mother had it .When she found out she died 2 wks later.If it is small cell carsonoma it spreads really fast.She had a large mass of it.It spread rapidly to her kidneys ,liver,esphoghagus,bones,adrenal glands.She was 57 yrs old.Chemo is probuly the next step.You should spend as much time as you can with him,he could go quick,it depends on his health.So sorry for you and your family,god bless you all.