It allows the doctor to examine the tumor directly and also to remove cells for examination. A tumor is present in the lung, but the cancer hasn't spread to the regional lymph nodes. The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Prevention Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
Tobacco smoke is the main risk factor for most types of lung cancer.
The five-year survival rates after surgery vary. For small, localized tumors, it might be possible to remove only a small section of lung. More extensive carcinoma might require removal of a lobe of the lung or the entire lung. Radiation therapy often is used to shrink tumors in patients who are poor candidates for surgery because of severe medical problems, such as heart disease. Radiation also may be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.