In this episode of the Lung Cancer Living Room titled "Surgical Options," Danielle Hicks, Chief Patient Officer at GO2 for Lung Cancer, hosts Dr. Jeffery B. Velotta, a thoracic surgeon at Kaiser Permanente - Oakland. They discuss the different types of surgeries available for lung cancer patients, focusing on both early and late stages of the disease.
- *Types of Surgeries:* Dr. Velotta explains various surgical options such as lobectomy (removal of a lobe), pneumonectomy (removal of a lung), wedge resection (removal of a small, wedge-shaped portion of the lung), and segmentectomy (removal of a segment of the lung). Each type of surgery is tailored based on the size, location, and stage of the tumor.
- *Importance of Lymph Nodes:* The conversation highlights the importance of lymph node dissection during surgery. Accurate staging and removal of lymph nodes are crucial for determining the extent of the disease and planning subsequent treatments.
- *Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapies:* They discuss the roles of adjuvant (post-surgery) and neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. These treatments can help reduce the risk of recurrence and manage micrometastatic disease.
- *Early vs. Late Stage Surgery:* Dr. Velotta addresses the criteria for surgical eligibility in early-stage versus late-stage lung cancer. He emphasizes that surgery might still be a viable option for some late-stage patients, particularly when combined with other therapies.
- *Patient Advocacy and Decision-Making:* The episode underscores the importance of patient advocacy and getting multiple opinions to make informed decisions. It encourages patients to actively participate in discussions with their healthcare providers about their treatment options.
The episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of surgical options for lung cancer and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, aiming for better patient outcomes and quality of life.