A pneumonectomy is the most invasive type of operation for lung cancer. In a pneumonectomy, an entire lung is removed. If the tumor is located centrally or involves more than one lobe, a pneumonectomy may be the only way all of the cancer can be removed. This operation is performed on patients with normal or near normal lung function. A pneumonectomy is performed through a thoracotomy .
Lung cancer is potentially curable if discovered early.
The cure rate or five-year survival drops off for more advanced lung cancer. A thoracotomy is any type of chest incision. The usual thoracotomy for a lung cancer operation is performed on the patient's side. The ribs are spread with a chest retractor. A thoracotomy incision gives the surgeon an excellent view of the inside of the chest and allows the surgeon to operate safely.