How is early-stage lung cancer treated?

The key to early treatment of lung cancer lies in early detection and timely intervention to improve cure rates. The main treatment options include: 1. **Surgical treatment**: This is the most effective method for early-stage lung cancer, including procedures such as lobectomy and segmentectomy. It aims to achieve complete disease remission by removing the cancerous lobe or entire lung. For patients with early-stage lung cancer, the cure rate with surgical treatment can reach as high as 70%–85%. 2. **Chemotherapy**: Used as an adjuvant treatment following surgery, chemotherapy employs chemical agents to eliminate residual cancer cells in the body and reduce the risk of recurrence. However, chemotherapy may cause certain side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. 3. **Radiation therapy**: Utilizing radiation to destroy remaining cancer cells, radiation therapy is suitable for elderly patients or those who refuse surgery. Similar to chemotherapy, radiation therapy may also cause side effects, including anemia and fatigue. 4. **Targeted therapy**: This treatment targets specific cancer cell receptors or enzymes, offering precise, highly effective, and relatively low-toxicity therapy. It has gradually become a new approach in lung cancer treatment.