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Removing the Lung Cancer

Removing only the lung cancer with a rim of normal tissue around it is insufficient therapy for patients who can tolerate a standard lung cancer operation. This is because all the blood vessels and lymph glands that drain the tumor area need to be removed as well in order to "catch" tumor cells that are starting to spread.

This operation is called a lobectomy when a major portion ('lobe') of a lung is removed and is called a pneumonectomy when a whole lung is removed. The right lung is slightly larger than the left lung and has 3 lobes as compared with the left lung's 2 lobes.

The lung cancer operation is generally performed through a side chest incision (Thoracotomy) that spreads between ribs five and six. This operation causes considerable post-operative pain and limits return to work for 1 - 3 months depending on the activity levels required of the job. It has the advantage of providing a wide working space for the surgeon to work, which is important for certain tumors. For some patients, this operation can be performed with minimally invasive techniques.

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