Removal of portions of the lung containing cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer which develops in the lungs. Lungs are the two spongy organs in the chest that are responsible for taking in oxygen when you inhale and releasing carbon dioxide when your exhale. The lungs consist of five lobes – there are three lobes on the right lung and two on the left one, and cancer may develop in any of these lobes.

Lung cancer is caused by smoking or second-hand smoking that one may be exposed to; it may also occur in people who have never smoked or been exposed to secondhand smoke as well.

What are the related symptoms of lung cancer?

Lung cancer doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages but instead causes symptoms in its advanced stages. These symptoms may include:

• A new cough that doesn't seem to go away
• Coughing up blood, even if it's in small amounts
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pains
• Hoarseness
• Losing weight without exercising
• Pains in the bones
• Headache

It is important that you seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms are persistent.

How is lung cancer treated?

Depending on your overall health, the stage of cancer and your preferences, Dr Dongo may recommend a surgical cancer treatment suitable for you. Surgery is done to remove the lung cancer and a margin of healthy lung tissue. There are different procedures to remove lung cancer; these include:

• Pneumonectomy
  This procedure involves Dr Dongo removing the entire lung if cancer develops in the centre of the lung.
• Lobectomy
  Also known as pulmonary lobectomy. This procedure involves the surgeon removing the lobe of the lung that contains cancerous cells. This procedure is performed when one or more lobes need to be removed.
• Wedge resection
  This procedure involves Dr Dongo removing a small, wedge-shaped area of your lung which contains cancer. He may also remove some surrounding healthy tissue.
• Segmental resection
  Also known as segmentectomy. This procedure involves the surgeon removing a larger portion of the lung without removing the entire lobe.