Understanding Minimally Invasive Lung Cancer Surgery.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, but innovative treatments offer more hope to patients with the disease than ever before. This is especially true for patients with lung cancer in early stages, when tumors are contained to the lung. That’s why it’s important to stay up-to-date on lung cancer screenings, if you qualify. A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan can find early signs of lung cancer when it is easier to treat and there are more treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery. 

Surgery plays an important role in early lung cancer treatment.

For patients with early, non-small cell lung cancer, treatment often involves surgery to remove cancer from the lung. During surgery (lung resection), a thoracic surgeon operates on the lung with the goal of removing the entire tumor and a slim margin around the tumor. Sometimes, nearby lymph nodes are also removed if cancer has potentially spread. Surgery is followed by other cancer treatments, such as targeted therapy or chemotherapy. 

However, surgery is not a one-size-fits all treatment. At MedStar Health, our team of cancer experts have specialized expertise in different areas, including medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, genetic counseling, and more. Together, they work with each patient to evaluate treatment options based on a patient’s overall health, cancer stage, and preferences. Our cancer specialists recommend surgery when it is the safest, most effective option. 

What is early-stage lung cancer?

The stage, or progression, of a patient’s cancer determines what treatment options will be safest and most effective. Staging describes your tumor’s location in the lungs, size, and whether or not it has spread. Minimally invasive surgery is most often a treatment option for patients who have stage 1 or stage 2 non-small cell lung cancer. At these stages, the tumor is generally very small and has not spread outside of the lung, making it easier to remove surgically while allowing you to maintain enough lung function for a good quality of life after surgery. 

Minimally invasive surgery leads to faster recovery with less pain.

Traditionally, lung cancer surgery involved one long incision between the ribs. As a result, patients of the past experienced longer hospital stays and more pain after surgery. Today, most lung cancer surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques that involve several tiny incisions. At MedStar Health, we use robotic-assisted technology to operate with exceptional precision, guided by our experienced thoracic surgeons. This ensures less risk of damage to healthy tissue. Because minimally invasive robotic lung surgery involves smaller incisions, there is also less blood loss and risk of complications than traditional open lung surgery. 

In addition, research shows a major difference in recovery after surgery for patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery. Patients report less pain after surgery and are out of the hospital faster, allowing them to return to work and their daily lives sooner than with open surgery. While all cancer treatments involve some level of risk and side effects, our surgeons are careful to thoroughly evaluate each patient and only recommend surgery for patients whose lungs and hearts are strong enough to undergo the surgery and thrive afterwards. 

Treatment options for patients who aren’t surgery candidates.

Minimally invasive surgery allows us to offer surgery as an option for patients who may not have qualified for open surgery a decade ago. And, we work diligently to optimize our patients health before surgery, which can reduce complication risks and speed recovery. However, not everyone is a candidate for surgery.

Thankfully, there are other lung cancer treatment alternatives to surgery. Because we work as a multidisciplinary team, other specialists provide input on treatment options that may be more beneficial for individuals who cannot or do not want to undergo surgery. At MedStar Health, we offer the most advanced cancer therapies available today, from immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy to the full spectrum of radiation therapy technologies, including Cyberknife and Proton therapy, among others. You’ll also have access to emerging treatments through clinical trials before they become widely available. 

A lot has changed in the past 10 years, and we continue to learn more about how molecular changes in lung cancer will impact treatment effectiveness. Now, we’re moving into an era of precision medicine which allows us to tailor treatment options based on a certain DNA profile. Biomarkers help us predict who is going to respond well to certain targeted therapies, which is leading to higher survival rates for many patients with lung cancer. 

Watch our Facebook live broadcast to learn more:

Early lung cancer detection often leads to higher treatment success rates.

If you seek lung cancer treatment at MedStar Health, you’ll benefit from the input of several cancer specialists who meet regularly in a multidisciplinary tumor board to discuss the best approach for your treatment. They’ll help you understand all of your treatment options, including whether or not minimally invasive surgery will play a role in your treatment plan. You can expect them to explain the benefits and risks, helping you to feel confident in choosing your next steps. 

Remember that your treatment options hinge on the staging of your disease—or how far along the cancer is. That’s why it’s important not to delay lung cancer screenings, if you’re eligible. If you smoke or have a history of smoking, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to get the care you deserve.

It’s never too late to take the right next step for your health, which may be talking to your doctor about lung cancer screenings or smoking cessation resources. The earlier we can catch any signs of lung cancer, the higher your chance of treatment success with minimally invasive surgery or other breakthrough cancer treatment options.