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July 25
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A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Because, stage 4 lung cancer ♋️, which I have, cannot be opened up. Period

July 31
MyLungCancerTeam

Great question! The choice between surgery and medication comes down to several key factors that are unique to each person's situation.

Surgery tends to work best when the cancer is caught early and hasn't spread. It offers the best chance of completely removing the cancer. Medication-based treatments like chemotherapy Show Full Answer

Great question! The choice between surgery and medication comes down to several key factors that are unique to each person's situation.

Surgery tends to work best when the cancer is caught early and hasn't spread. It offers the best chance of completely removing the cancer. Medication-based treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy are often used when the cancer has spread, making surgery less practical.

Here are the main factors that influence the decision:

- Type of lung cancer — Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is more likely to be treated with surgery, while small cell lung cancer (SCLC) often responds better to chemotherapy and radiation
- Stage of cancer — Early-stage cancers are more likely to be surgically removed; advanced cancers are usually treated with medication
- Tumor size and location — If a tumor is in a hard-to-reach spot, surgery may not be safe or possible
- Overall health — Surgery puts stress on the body, so a person needs to be healthy enough to handle it
- Genetic markers — Some cancers have specific gene mutations that respond well to targeted drug therapies Sometimes treatments are combined — for example, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumor, or after surgery to catch any remaining cancer cells. Radiation can also be paired with medication for certain cases.

Ultimately, a team of specialists works together to build the most effective plan for each individual person.

July 25

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