Although the mortality rate from lung cancer has been declining for men, the rate for women has increased. Early detection and treatment make a difference in life expectancy following diagnosis. Treatment depends on the type of lung cancer, how far advanced the cancer is, and the patient's overall health.

The role of surgery in the management of lung cancer consists of obtaining a biopsy to make a correct diagnosis, determining the correct stage of the cancer in order to ensure optimal treatment and treating the cancer by surgical removal in selected situations. The decision to treat lung cancer surgically depends on the type of lung cancer, as well as several prognostic factors. Surgery is a common form of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), whereas, it is not as commonly used with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Lobectomy is performed in the same general manner as other lung surgeries, but will involve removal of an entire lobe of the lung. Most patients with Stage I or II non-small cell lung cancer will receive this treatment for their disease, or a less extensive resection. Lobectomy is the generally preferred treatment for primary lung cancer in any patient who can tolerate the procedure. Wedge and segmental resections are still major surgery, but remove less tissue and may be the first choice for some patients. Patients who do not have enough pulmonary function to undergo a lobectomy may receive a wedge or segmental resection instead. This may lead to a higher recurrence rate of cancer. In general, the surgery method chosen will depend on specific circumstances and consideration of benefit versus risk.