Several types of surgery exist for the treatment of lung cancer. Depending upon the stage and type of the lung cancer, the doctor may perform a lobectomy, a wedge resection, or a pneumonectomy.
- Lobectomy: A lobe (section) of the lung is removed.
- Wedge resection: A part of the lobe is removed.
- Pneumonectomy: The entire lung is removed.
Following surgery, the patient will usually remain in the hospital for one to two weeks. The pain after surgery is due to the surgeon cutting through the ribs to access the lungs.
