Non-small lung cancer (NSLC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world, as it accounts for approximately 85% to 90% of all lung cancers. Despite its high diagnosis rate, it is vital to note that all types of lung cancers including NSLC are preventable if one avoids or limits exposure to the contributing factors. It is also highly treatable if detected early enough.

Just as the name implies, non-small cancer cells are large. This cancer begins when healthy cells change and experience uncontrolled growth forming a tumor. Unlike in small lung cancer where tumors remain confined to the chest, in non-small cancer tumors shed cells, which are then carried by blood to the lymph nodes. If not treated early enough, these cancerous cells tend to spread (or metastasize) to other parts of the body. Non-small cancer treatments include the following:

1. Surgery
This is the most preferred treatment among patients with stage I and II non-small lung cancer. This procedure is just as it sounds. That is, the surgeon works to remove the section of the lung containing the cancerous cells. A margin of healthy tissue is also removed during the surgery to reduce the chances of a relapse. Depending on the spread of cancerous cells, the surgeon might carry out the following procedures:

• Wedge resection, during which the surgeon removes a small section of the lung that has cancerous cells, along with a small margin of healthy tissues
• Segmental resection, in which a more extensive part of the lung is removed.
• Lobectomy, during which the entire lobe is removed
• Pneumonectomy, in which the whole lung is removed.

For the above procedures, most surgeons use the VATS technology, which makes it possible for the tumor to be removed without making a large incision.

2. Radiation therapy
This is yet another common non-small lung cancer treatment. It is non-invasive and uses high-powered radiation from machines such as X-Rays to kill cancerous cells. Depending on the extent of growth, radiation therapy can be used as the primary treatment, or it can be combined with other therapies. For instance, it can be used after surgery to eliminate any cancerous cells that might have remained to prevent a relapse or before with chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.

3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells. If your tumor is too complicated, then chemo might be used to help shrink it and make it easier to remove before a surgical operation. Chemo can also be used afterwards, to eliminate remaining cancer cells hence minimize the risk of recurrence.

4. Targeted treatments
Targeted treatments are the most recent developments in the oncology realm. Unlike chemo which affects both healthy and unhealthy cells this mode of treatment targets only the cancerous cells by attaching and blocking the abnormalities that cause cancer cells to spread. Targeted treatments are hence more preferred as they offer better outcomes and reduced side effects. They are usually more effective in patients whose cancers are caused by certain genetic mutations.