How to Treat Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is one of two types of lung cancer. It is associated with a history of smoking and radon exposure, according to the National Cancer Institute. There are six primary treatments for non-small cell lung cancer, depending on the extent of the disease and the overall health of the patient.

Instructions

• 1

  Treat your cancer with surgery. There are four types of surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer: wedge resection, lobectomy, pneumonectomy and sleeve resection. Your oncologist and surgeon will select the most appropriate surgical treatment based on your specific case.

• 2

  Undergo radiation therapy, a type of treatment that kills cancer cells or prevents them from growing through the use of high-energy x-rays. According to the National Cancer Institute, radiation therapy is used in lieu of surgery in patients who are ineligible for surgical treatment.

• 3

  Try chemotherapy to prevent your non-small cell lung cancer from spreading. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and prevent them from dividing. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with other treatment options.

• 4

  Ask your oncologist if laser therapy may be an effective treatment for your cancer. In some cases, a laser beam can be directed at a tumor or cluster of cancer cells to kill them.

• 5

  Opt for photodynamic therapy if your tumors are on or just beneath the lining of your internal organs or skin. This treatment uses a drug and a laser to target and kill non-small cell lung cancer cells.

• 6

  Take a medication designed to target your cancer cells and prevent them from growing or spreading. According to the American Cancer Society, drugs that target tumor blood vessel growth and medications that target a protein known as epidermal growth factor receptor have both shown promise in treating non-small lung cancer.

• 7

  Eat a healthy, balanced diet while undergoing treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. It is also important to get as much rest as possible to encourage your body to heal and to help minimize the side effects of your treatment.