Can a 70-year-old woman undergo surgery for lung cancer?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Age by itself does not take surgery off the table. Her overall health and the stage of the cancer are what actually decide whether surgery is feasible.

If the biopsy (a procedure to remove cells, tissue, or fluid for examination by a medical pathologist) did not provide a definitive type of lung cancer, it may need to be repeated or supplemented with additional tests. Knowing the exact tumor type is crucial because it determines whether surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation is the most appropriate treatment.

The PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) scan is also important because it shows whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. If the cancer is confined to the lung, surgery may be a viable option. If there is spread, systemic treatment like chemotherapy or targeted therapy may be recommended first.

Other factors, such as her asthma (a condition that causes your airways to swell, narrow, and fill with mucus), overall lung function, kidney function (as checked by serum creatinine), and heart health (from the 2D or two-dimensional echo), also influence what treatments are safe. The oncology team will weigh all these aspects to recommend the safest and most effective approach.

It is normal to feel lost at this stage. Asking your doctors to explain all options, like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and the expected benefits and risks, can help you make a more informed decision.

Supportive care to manage symptoms like cough and shortness of breath is also an important part of treatment, regardless of which therapy is chosen.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.