The surgery of lung cancer

Surgery remains the best chance of cure in lung cancer, and should be offered to between 10% and 20% of patients. The success of surgery depends on accurate assessment of patient fitness and tumour stage. Surgery has an established role in stages I and II and some subtypes of stage III non-small cell carcinoma of the lung. The combination of surgery with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may have survival benefit. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimum patient care and the promotion of further research into this terrible disease.