How is lung cancer removed?

[Meganmeccano]

After irregular blood test results, a PET scan found a suspect nodule in the upper segment of the lower left lobe of my left lung 14millimetres by 9mm.

The oncologist phoned this morning to say it will be removed surgically.

Does anyone know how this is done and what the recovery times are, please? Will I be able to play sports, swim, run, work, drive, cook etc. afterwards ?

Probably by VATS. Video assisted thoracic surgery. There will be a couple of small incisions for camera wires, a larger one (a couple in inches) between your ribs to do the actual surgery (your ribs will be mechanically separated for this) and a drain will be inserted in the side of your rib cage and left in for at least 24 hours after surgery. Your lung lobe will be stapled together after taking out the nodule. They might want to take biopsies from the other lobe as well so decide if that’s something you will be happy with.

Think of it like laparoscopic pelvic surgery instead of a C-section.

Probably 2 of 3 nights in hospital and one or two weeks recovering at home. Back to normal in a couple of months hopefully.

Good luck.

Thank you so very much. I really really appreciate this.