What is surgery like for non small cell lung cancer?

Often cures: Surgery is the standard of care for stage i and ii lung cancer in the physically fit patient, and should be considered as an option in many patients with stage iiia. Often can be done minimally invasively thorascopically or with a robot. Recovery varies with the level of invasiveness. Lung surgery has best outcomes by a board certified thoracic surgeon.

See below: Depending on where the cancer is and how big, it may require resection of a lobe (part of the lung) or the whole lung. Many surgeons may do this thoracoscopically if feasible, which is less invasive and allows for a faster recovery. Generally, patients spend several days in the hospital with chest tubes, which are painful, and recover over the next 3 months or so if there are no complications.