Does a lung tumor near a blood vessel make surgery impossible?

In general, whether surgery can be performed when a lung tumor is near blood vessels depends on the specific circumstances. If the lung tumor is close to capillaries, surgery is usually feasible; however, if the tumor is near the pulmonary artery, surgery is generally not recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Capillaries are an essential part of the pulmonary microcirculation, numerous and widely distributed, with small diameters and relatively low blood flow. When a lung tumor is located near capillaries, surgeons can use precise techniques to avoid or ligate these vessels, minimizing the risk of bleeding during surgery. Moreover, capillaries have strong regenerative capacity; even if some are damaged during surgery, they can recover quickly afterward. Therefore, when a lung tumor is close to capillaries, surgical intervention is typically considered safe and feasible.

The pulmonary artery is the main blood vessel supplying the lungs, characterized by a large diameter, rapid blood flow, and high pressure. If a lung tumor is adjacent to the pulmonary artery, any minor error during surgery could lead to severe hemorrhage, endangering the patient's life. Additionally, due to the complex anatomical location of the pulmonary artery, surgical procedures are technically challenging and associated with a slower postoperative recovery. Thus, when a lung tumor is near the pulmonary artery, the surgical risks are significantly higher, and surgery is generally not advised.

To maintain lung health, individuals should avoid smoking and prolonged exposure to air pollution.