The treatment of asbestos lung cancer depends upon the patient’s physical condition, preferences and the type of lung cancer (non–small or small cell lung cancer). It also takes into relation the size, location, and magnitude of the tumor. Often, treatments are combined to increase longevity and quality of life. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and photodynamic therapy.

Asbestos Cancer May Respond to Appropriate Surgery
The type of surgery depends upon the location of the cancer in the lung. An surgical procedure to remove only a small part of the lung is called a segmental or wedge resection. If the doctor removes an entire lobe of the lung, the procedure is called a lobectomy. Pneumonectomy is the elimination of an entire lung. The late stage of non–small cell lung cancer may be treated with cryosurgery, a process that freezes and destroys cancer tissue.

Surgery for asbestos lung cancer is a major procedure. After lung surgery, air and fluid may accumulate in the chest and patients will need help in turning over and coughing. Pain in the chest and tininess of breath are other side effects. Patients may not regain their strength for several months.

After a proper recovery period, patients whose lungs are in good condition (other than the cancer) can often return to normal activities after a lobe or even an entire lung is removed, according to the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society, How is Lung Cancer Treated?). If they have other diseases such as chronic bronchitis (common among smokers), then patients may continue to have shortness of breath.

Photodynamic Therapy As an Asbestos Lung Cancer Treatment
An experimental treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses light to kill cancerous cells. A special element is injected into the bloodstream and absorbed by cells. The cancerous cells absorb more of the chemical than natural cells. Laser light activates the chemical, destroying the cancerous cells.

Photodynamic therapy has been used to reduce symptoms of lung cancer such as breathing problems caused by blocked airways. In January 1998, the FDA accepted porfimer sodium as a photosynthesizing agent for the treatment of early non–small cell lung cancer in patients for whom other lung cancer treatments are not appropriate (Cancer Facts, National Cancer Institute, Photodynamic Therapy).

Photodynamic therapy makes the skin and eyes sensitive to light for six weeks or more after treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute. Other temporary side effects of PDT include nausea and vomiting. Patients should avoid direct sunlight and bright interior light during this six–week period.

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