What are the treatment options for lung cancer?

Doctors first identify the lung cancer type and determine whether it is confined to the lung, nearby structures, or more distant sites. A scan, tissue sample, and sometimes genomic tumour profiling help match treatment to the cancer’s features. [Genomic Tumour Profiling](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/genomic-tumour-profiling/) can identify changes that may make targeted treatment relevant.

Surgery such as a [Lung Lobectomy](/treatments/surgical-oncology/lung-lobectomy/) removes a lobe when the tumour and your lung function make an operation appropriate. Radiotherapy uses focused radiation; chemotherapy uses medicines that circulate through the body. Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise cancer, while targeted therapy acts on particular molecular changes. A [Clinical Trials](/treatments/systemic-therapy/clinical-trials/) discussion may be appropriate at different stages.

Ask for the pathology and staging results in plain language, including whether molecular testing was completed. Discuss the purpose and sequence of each treatment, expected effects on breathing and daily activity, and how response will be checked. [Lung Cancer](/conditions/lung-cancer/) and treatment information can help you prepare. Palliative care can also support symptoms and quality of life alongside cancer treatment; it is described in [Palliative Care](/treatments/supportive-and-palliative-care/palliative-care/).

Contact your care team promptly for worsening breathlessness, coughing blood, chest pain, new confusion, inability to keep fluids down, or fever during treatment. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, fainting, or heavy bleeding. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if symptoms change quickly.

What type and stage of lung cancer do I have? Has the tumour been tested for actionable molecular changes? Is surgery, radiation, medicine, or a combination recommended, and why? Which symptoms or treatment effects need urgent attention?