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Real members of MyLungCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Radiation vs surgery

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
New York, NY

Hi there! I was just diagnosed last month with stage 1 lung cancer caught very early and it’s very small ( thank God!) my Dr wants to do a partial lobebectomy of my left upper lobe, removing half of my upper lung. I wanted radiation instead but he warned me of something called pneumonitis after radiation treatments which can become very difficult later on. Has anyone here gone through this? Any recommendations?

January 21
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Reactions
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

All your comments have made me feel better about my dr suggesting this treatment.

August 10
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Thank you! That’s so helpful

January 25
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I too was diagnosed very early - actually almost incidentally - with stage 1 NSCLC, adenocarcinoma. I also opted for SBRT and my next surveillance scan isn’t until June. My doc was quite pleased with the radiation therapy. Minimal side effects - mostly fatigue - and no recovery issues like what I would have experienced with lobectomy. There are some excellent studies that show similar outcomes with SBRT v surgery. An extensive 2023 Japanese oncology study showed virtually same outcomes!

January 25
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I think you should get an opinion from a radiation oncologist. I had no side effects from SBRT. I had colon cancer surgery. A lot of complications from that. An extremely painful inscissional hernia.
I had the same choice to make as you do about lung cancer. I'm sure glad I chose SBRT.

January 22
MyLungCancerTeam

Should you choose radiation or surgery for your early-stage lung cancer?

First, congratulations on catching it early! Both surgery and radiation can be effective treatments for stage 1 lung cancer, and recent studies show they can have similar long-term outcomes.

A 10-year clinical trial found that stereotactic body Show Full Answer

Should you choose radiation or surgery for your early-stage lung cancer?

First, congratulations on catching it early! Both surgery and radiation can be effective treatments for stage 1 lung cancer, and recent studies show they can have similar long-term outcomes.

A 10-year clinical trial found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) works just as well as lobectomy surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. This highly targeted radiation achieved the same overall survival rates while offering many patients an easier recovery and potentially better quality of life.

Key differences to consider:

Surgery (lobectomy) is often considered the gold standard when possible. Recovery typically involves 5-7 days in the hospital and up to 6 weeks at home. You may experience pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue during recovery.

Radiation therapy, particularly SBRT or CyberKnife, is more precise and less invasive than traditional methods. It's especially useful for people who can't tolerate surgery due to age or other health conditions.

About pneumonitis:

Your doctor's concern about pneumonitis (lung inflammation) after radiation is valid. This is a known side effect that can occur with radiation therapy and may cause breathing difficulties. What MyLungCancerTeam members say:

Members have shared experiences with both treatments. Some found radiation less invasive with quicker recovery, while others opted for surgery to remove the cancer completely.

Your next steps:

Since your case is unique, consider:
- Asking your doctor about SBRT or CyberKnife specifically
- Discussing your overall health and which approach suits you best
- Getting a second opinion if you're uncertain
- Weighing the recovery time and potential side effects of each option

People with smaller tumors like yours may have excellent outcomes with either approach. The best choice depends on your individual health factors, preferences, and what your medical team recommends based on your specific situation.

January 21

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