More recently, spiral CT scans of the chest have been used to screen for lung cancer in persons at higher-risk, primarily heavy cigarette smokers. Spiral CT scans are more sensitive than regular chest x-rays in the early detection of lung cancer. Initial research has demonstrated earlier detection of lung cancer in the high-risk population studied with spiral CT scans, but how this will impact the screening of lung cancer in the general population remains to be seen. Treatment Treatment options for lung cancer include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and palliative treatment of specific complications of the tumor. In non-small cell lung cancer surgical resection is generally the only treatment that is curative.
Radiation therapy can often slow or stall tumor growth or even cause the tumor to shrink in size.
Unfortunately, it is very rare for radiation therapy to cure lung cancer. Chemotherapy can sometimes prolong the life of patients with lung cancer, especially when used in combination with other treatment like radiation therapy. Small cell lung cancer metastasizes early to lymph nodes and blood vessels, and, therefore, is usually not amendable to surgical resection for attempted cure. Better education of children and teens about the harmful effects of cigarette smoking remains the most important preventative measure for decreasing the incidence of lung cancer. The improved success of some smoking cessation programs also gives us reasons for optimism in the battle against this terrible disease.