Lung cancer treatments, like most cancers, are effective when treated early. The treatment for lung cancer would depend on the stage of the condition.

What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer occurs in the cells of the lungs. Small cell and non-small cell cancers of the lung are the two types of lung cancer. It can be treated effectively if diagnosed early. However, since there are no early symptoms, detection is rather difficult.

Causes and symptoms
One of the major causes of lung cancer is smoking. Research has shown that even passive smokers are prone to this condition. In very rare cases, people who don’t smoke or are exposed to smoke could be affected by it. Exposure to asbestos or certain chemicals can also lead to lung cancer.

The symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Cough that keeps getting worse
• Blood in phlegm
• Change in voice
• Chest pain worsening because of coughing
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Unexpected weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Repeated infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

Treatment for lung cancer
The treatment for lung cancer depends on the stage of the condition. There are four stages of cancer, which are categorized based on the progress of cancer. In the early stages, it is restricted to the lung. At later stages, however, it spreads to lymph nodes and other areas in the body.

The different types of treatments to cure lung cancer are:

• Surgery
  The tumor in the lung is removed through surgery. Depending on the stage of cancer, even a part of the lung lobe, an entire lobe of the lung, or the lung itself may need to be removed. Surgery can be effective but may sometimes need some more treatment options.
• Chemotherapy
  This is a conventional method to treat cancer. It involves the use of chemicals to kill cancer cells. It can be given orally or through an IV. Generally, it is used along with surgery to make the treatment even more effective.
• Radiation therapy
  This involves the use of X-rays directed at the origin of the cancer to destroy the tumor. Usually, it is combined with chemotherapy or surgery. It can also help with pain relief in the advanced stages.
• Targeted therapy
  This involves the use of drugs or other substances to target cancer cells. They work by cutting off blood supply to the cancer cells, causing the cancer to shrink.
• Immunotherapy
  This treatment method uses the body’s own immune system to target the cancer cells. It is used in advanced cases. It helps by activating the body’s immune system, which the cancer would have otherwise suppressed. As a result, the body starts fighting against the condition.
• Radiosurgery
  This treatment is useful for small cell cancer. It uses beams of radiation that are focused on the tumor cells from many directions.
• Natural methods
  Natural and alternative methods of treatment like acupuncture, yoga, hypnosis, and massage can help in relieving pain and other symptoms. However, they cannot be relied upon completely; medications needs to be an on-going treatment at all times.

Lung cancer treatments can be effective if detected early. It is best to consult a doctor and follow their advice so that the condition is looked at better.