The American Cancer Society recommends the following:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Depending on the stage of the disease and other factors, the main treatment options for people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) include:

In many cases, more than one of these treatments may be used.

After the cancer is found and staged, your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options with you. It is important to take time and think about your options. In choosing a treatment plan, one of the most important factors is the stage of the cancer. For this reason, it is very important that your doctor order all the tests needed to determine the cancer's stage. Other factors to consider include your overall health, the likely side effects of the treatment, and the probability of curing the disease, extending life, or relieving symptoms. Age alone should not be a barrier to treatment. Older people can benefit from treatment as much as younger people, as long as their general health is good.

In considering your treatment options it is often a good idea to get a second opinion, if possible. This may provide you with more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you have chosen. Your doctor should not mind that you want to get a second opinion. In fact, some insurance companies require you to get a second opinion. If your first doctor has done tests, the results can be sent to the second doctor so that you will not have to have them done again.

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Depending on the stage of the disease and other factors, the main treatment options for people with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) include:

If you have small cell lung cancer, you will probably get chemotherapy if you are healthy enough. If you have limited stage disease, radiation therapy and — very rarely — surgery may be options as well.

After the cancer is found and staged, your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options with you. It is important to take time and think about all of your possible choices. In choosing a treatment plan, one of the most important factors to consider is the stage of the cancer. For this reason, it is very important that your doctor order all the tests needed to determine the cancer's stage.

Other factors to consider include your overall health, the likely side effects of the treatment, and the probability of curing the disease, extending life, or relieving symptoms. Age alone should not be a barrier to treatment. Older people can benefit from treatment as much as younger people as long as their general health is good.