Non-small cell lung cancer refers to all types of epithelial lung cancers, excluding small cell lung cancers. According to research, more than 80% of cancers are non-small cell lung cancers. Individuals who are addicted to smoking are most likely to get affected by this condition.

Non-small cell lung cancer treatments are primarily based on the stage and the extent of the impact on an individual. In addition, certain other factors such as an individual’s trait of cancer and the overall functioning of the lung and health are also taken into account when considering a treatment procedure.

1. Stage 0

In this stage, cancer is limited only to the lining of the airways of the lungs. During stage 0, non-small cell lung cancer can be cured by surgery. In this stage, patients do not need to undergo any radiation or chemotherapy-based treatments.

However, the overall health condition of a patent is carefully reviewed before surgery. If a patent is found fit for surgery, a procedure such as wedge resection or segmentectomy can be followed for the removal of the affected part of the lobe.

In certain situations, during stage 0, laser therapy and photodynamic therapy-based procedures are also followed as alternatives to surgery.

2. Stage I

In stage I, surgery may be the only non-small cell lung cancer treatment available. In such circumstances, lobectomy-based surgical procedures are usually followed to remove the tumor. Wedge resection or segmentectomy are options if the cancer is small.

Post completion of the surgery, a biopsy is performed to confirm the removal of the affected areas. The patient might need to undergo radiation therapy after surgery.

3. Stage II

In this stage, surgeons follow surgical procedures, such as sleeve section or lobectomy as treatment options. In certain circumstances, the removal of the whole lung (pneumonectomy) may be needed.

Prior to the surgery, chemotherapy, along with radiation, is often recommended in order to shrink the tumor.

4. Stage III

In this stage, the treatment procedure can include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, depending on the patient’s health condition. The treatment procedure is determined based on the size of the tumor, its position in the lung, and the severity. In this stage, constant coordination between the oncologist, radiation oncologist, and thoracic surgeon is required.

5. Stage IIIB
In stage IIIB, cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, which are near to the lung or in the neck. Hence, during this stage, surgery is not the only option for a successful treatment.

In such situations, a patient can be assisted with chemotherapy and radiation therapy if their health condition is stable. If in certain situations, chemoradiation or surgery cannot be considered as a tolerable treatment procedure, immunotherapy with pembrolizumab is considered as a primary treatment option.

6. Stage IV
In stage IV, cancer gets widespread across distant sites and becomes difficult to cure. In this stage, the non-small cell lung cancer treatment procedures depend on the number of tumors, its spread, and the overall health of the affected person.

If the health condition of the patient is stable, a combination of treatment procedures such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy can be followed to assist the patient.