Our Summary

When a lung is removed (pneumonectomy), the remaining lung grows to make up for the lost lung tissue. This study suggests that this growth might actually encourage the spread of lung cancer. Researchers tested this by simulating the strain that would occur from a lung growing after pneumonectomy in mice, and found that it did indeed trigger growth and helped create an environment that was more favorable for cancer to spread. However, they also found that by filling the space left by the removed lung with a type of plastic, they could stop this growth from happening. This suggests that strategies to reduce this strain and the resulting growth could potentially improve the outcomes for lung cancer patients after surgery.

FAQs

  1. What happens when a lung is removed during a pneumonectomy?
  2. How does the growth of the remaining lung after a pneumonectomy potentially encourage the spread of lung cancer?
  3. What strategies are suggested to potentially improve outcomes for lung cancer patients after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor about potential strategies to prevent this growth and spread of cancer after a lung resection. This may include discussing options such as filling the space with a type of material to prevent the remaining lung from overcompensating for the lost tissue. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended lung resection include those with:

  • Lung cancer that has not spread beyond the lung
  • Non-small cell lung cancer that is in an early stage
  • Lung tumors that are smaller in size
  • Lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe infection that are not responding to other treatments

It is important to note that the decision to recommend lung resection is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the patient’s overall health, the stage and type of lung cancer, and other factors that may affect the outcome of the surgery.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  1. Patient undergoes medical evaluation and imaging tests to determine the extent of the lung cancer and if surgery is a viable option.
  2. Patient meets with a thoracic surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and benefits.
  3. Pre-operative preparation may include smoking cessation, physical therapy, and education on post-operative care.
  4. Surgery is performed to remove the affected lung tissue.
  5. Patient is monitored closely in the intensive care unit or post-operative recovery area.

After lung resection:

  1. Patient may experience pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue in the immediate post-operative period.
  2. Physical therapy and breathing exercises are initiated to help with recovery and prevent complications such as pneumonia.
  3. Patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery and assess for any signs of recurrence.
  5. Over time, the remaining lung tissue may grow to compensate for the lost lung volume.
  6. Potential complications such as infection, blood clots, or lung collapse may occur and require further treatment.
  7. Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence and assess lung function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung resection surgery?
  2. How will my lung function be affected after the surgery?
  3. Will I need any additional treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the lung resection?
  4. How long is the recovery period after lung resection surgery?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to promote healing and prevent complications?
  6. Will I need any follow-up tests or scans to monitor for any potential cancer recurrence?
  7. What are the chances of lung cancer spreading or recurring after lung resection surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or approaches to consider for my specific case?
  9. Will filling the space left by the removed lung with a type of plastic be an option for me to reduce the strain and potential growth of cancer cells?
  10. How often will I need to have follow-up appointments with you after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sano F, Ueda K, Murakami J, Hayashi M, Nishimoto A, Hamano K. Journal: J Surg Res. 2016 May 1;202(1):1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2015.12.012. Epub 2015 Dec 17. PMID: 27083941