Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatments include many different approaches and various measures that may be tried in order to achieve beneficial results. The course of the treatment is charted out only after considering the severity and the stage that the cancer has spread to and hence a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a physician, and a surgeon may all need to work in unison to provide the sufferer with the best results. Discussed below are stage-wise treatment options for

Treatment of Stage 0 NSCLC
Stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer may not require one to go beyond a surgery. The reason for this is that it affects the airways and, in this stage, it does not spread much deeper than these airways. One may not require any chemotherapy or any sort of radiotherapy to go along with this lung cancer treatment. If cancer has not really aggravated much, then the doctor may ask to opt for a wedge resection or a segmentectomy.

Treatment of Stage 1 NSCLC
Much like Stage 0 NSCLC, Stage 1 NSCLC would only require a surgical procedure. This may be done in two ways—either the lobe that has the tumor may be removed or the smaller part of the lung may be removed. In most cases, some other lymph nodes need to be extracted in order to verify the presence of cancerous growth in the cells. In some cases, where there is a much higher risk of cancer to return, one may even have to undergo chemotherapy, which would drastically reduce the chances of getting this cancer again.

Treatment of Stage 2 NSCLC
The approach for the lung cancer treatment becomes more and more severe as the stage of this cancer advances. In order to rectify the stage II of NSCLC, one may have to undergo sleeve resection or, in extreme cases, one may need to get the entire lungs removed, a procedure which is also referred to as pneumonectomy. The lymph nodes are checked for cancerous growths, and if any of them are present, then they are removed since the chance of this particular cancer recurring is much higher as compared to stages 0 and 1. To minimize complications, some doctors may also recommend chemotherapy in order to shrink the tumor before other processes begin.

Treatment of Stage 3A NSCLC
The Stage 3A lung cancer treatment may require expertise and inputs from a thoracic surgeon, a medical oncologist, and even a radiation oncologist. To treat this stage, the patient may need to undertake treatment that comprises all three surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The approach depends upon the location, size, and most importantly, the body’s acceptance of the treatment.

Treatment of Stage 3B NSCLC
Stage 3B NSCLC is a lot more severe as it spreads to many different lymph nodes present inside the chest and lung area, besides affecting the different structures present in the chest. While a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may be required to ensure the desired results, it depends on the extent of the cancer spread and how much it has affected the lungs.

Treatment of Stage 4 NSCLC
The approach for non-small cell lung cancer is the most severe in this particular stage. It is extremely hard to cure, and by the time it is diagnosed, it has already spread everywhere. In case the patient is healthy on other fronts, they may undergo targeted therapy, radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. One may even try out a photodynamic therapy or a laser therapy to ensure that all the last resorts have been tested.