Treatment for Lung Cancer Infection

Lung cancer is a very serious medical condition caused by cancer cells developing in the lungs. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is the leading cause of death in the United States as of 2010.

Treatment

• There are several treatment options available for lung cancer. The type of treatment a patient receives depends on his overall health.

Types

• Treatment options for lung cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and targeted drug therapy. Each of these methods work to destroy or remove the cancer cells that are infecting the lungs.

Side Effects

• Chemotherapy and radiation side effects include hair loss, appetite changes, anemia, fatigue, diarrhea, infection, nausea, vomiting, pain, infertility and fluid retention. Surgery patients risk infection after the surgery and excessive bleeding. Targeted drug therapy may cause bleeding, blood clots, high blood pressure, skin rash and diarrhea.

Considerations

• Treatment will not always cure lung cancer, and may only delay the spread of the disease. Some of the treatments, such as chemotherapy, weaken the immune system and make the body more prone to infection.

Alternative Treatments

• When the lung cancer has spread too far for the treatment options to be effective, supportive care is offered. This takes the place of harsher treatments and focuses on making the patient more comfortable by treating the side effects rather than the disease.