- Home
- Lung cancer
- Treatment
- Surgery
Surgery for lung cancer
People with early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (stage 1 or 2) will generally be offered surgery to remove the tumour.
Learn more about:
- Overview
- Types of lung surgery
- Removing lymph nodes
- How the surgery is done
- What to expect after surgery
Overview
How much of the lung is removed depends on several factors:
- the location and size of the cancer
- your general wellbeing and fitness
- how your lungs are working (lung function).
Surgery is not suitable for most people with late-stage lung cancer.
If there is fluid in the pleural cavity (called pleural effusion) that keeps coming back, you may have minor surgery (pleurodesis) to control this. Read more on this procedure.
Types of lung surgery
Surgery for lung cancer may remove all or part of a lung.
LobectomyThis is the most common type of surgery for lung cancer. In a lobectomy, one of the lobes of the lung is removed. About 30–50% of the lung will be removed. | |
PneumonectomyIf the cancer is in more than one lobe of a lung, or near where the airways enter the lung, a pneumonectomy may be done. In this procedure, a whole lung is removed. It’s possible to still breathe normally with one lung. | |
SegmentectomyFor some early-stage lung cancers that are on the edge of the lung, a segmentectomy may be used. In this procedure, a small part of the lobe is removed. In cases where a patient is very unwell, however, a wedge resection may be considered. A wedge resection removes only a very small amount of the lobe. |
Most hospitals in Australia have programs to reduce the stress of surgery and improve your recovery. Called enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) or fast track surgical (FTS) programs, they provide information about what to expect each day after surgery. Read more information about preparing for treatment.
Removing lymph nodes
During surgery, lymph nodes near the cancer will also be removed to check whether the cancer has spread. Knowing if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes also helps the doctors decide whether you need further treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
How the surgery is done
There are 2 ways to perform surgery for lung cancer, and both require a general anaesthetic. Each type of surgery has advantages in particular situations – talk to your surgeon about the best option for you.
VATS
Lung cancer surgery can often be done using a keyhole approach. This is known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In this approach, the surgeon makes a few small cuts (incisions) in the chest wall.
A tiny video camera and operating instruments are passed through the cuts, and the surgeon performs the operation from outside the chest. A keyhole approach usually means a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and fewer side effects.
Thoracotomy
If a long cut is made between the ribs in the side of the chest, the operation is called a thoracotomy. This may also be called open surgery. You will need to stay in hospital for 3–7 days.
See our general section on Surgery for more information about surgery and recovery.
→ READ MORE: Radiation therapy for lung cancer
Podcast: Making Treatment Decisions
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
A/Prof Brett Hughes, Senior Staff Specialist Medical Oncologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, The Prince Charles Hospital and The University of Queensland, QLD; Dr Brendan Dougherty, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Specialist, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Kim Greco, Nurse Consultant – Lung Cancer, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Dr Susan Harden, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Rohit Joshi, Medical Oncologist, GenesisCare and Lyell McEwin Hospital, Director, Cancer Research SA; Kathlene Robson, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council ACT; Peter Spolc, Consumer; Nicole Taylor, Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Cancer Specialist Nurse, Canberra Hospital, ACT; Rosemary Taylor, Consumer; A/Prof Gavin M Wright, Director of Surgical Oncology, St Vincent’s Hospital and Research and Education Lead – Lung Cancer, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
View all publications or call 13 11 20 for free printed copies.