Lung cancer is the most common cancer in American men and second only to breast cancer in women. Although most
lung cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, surgery is a major part of the treatment for many lung cancer patients. There are several
reasons surgery may be needed:
Various types of biopsies to rule out malignancy
Mediastinoscopy: To stage lung cancer
Removal of lung tissue to treat primary lung cancer
Treatment of some cancers that spread to the lung
Diagnosis and treatment of pleural effusions
The treatment of lung cancer has evolved over the last few years. Treatment must be specific for the
individual. The treatment plan takes into account the patient’s personal medical condition, lung capacity, age, and other medical problems.
If the patient is healthy enough for an operation, tests are performed (such as PET scan) to look for spread outside of the chest cavity.
Surgery is not helpful if the cancer has spread (metastasized) outside the chest. In some cases, mediastinoscopy is performed to biopsy
lymph nodes beneath the breastbone. Radiation and chemotherapy (instead of surgery) are recommended if these lymph nodes contain cancer. If
the patient passes these tests (medical condition, CAT scan, PET scan) he or she is considered for an operation to remove the cancerous
tumor. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, an entire lung (pneumonectomy) or part of a lung (lobectomy) may be removed.
Modern lung cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach – often involving the surgeon, radiation therapist, and medical
oncologist. Protocols and published guidelines are used by the team to ensure that each patient is receiving the most current “state of the
art” treatment. As a surgical oncologist, Dr. Orr has experience and training to manage major lung surgery. He works closely with other
oncologic specialists at the Gibbs Cancer Center and with the Anesthesia team at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
