While habitual smokers are at the risk of getting COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, even non-smokers can get. One of the complications of COPD is lung cancer. In fact, it has been observed that nearly 40 to 70 percent patients who have lung cancer also have COPD. When it comes to treatment for COPD lung cancer, it goes without saying that the person would first have to quit smoking, he or she is a smoker. It is only after that the oncologist can think about other treatment options.

The doctor will treat the cancer first, but will also try to manage the COPD simultaneously. The treatment for COPD lung cancer is like the regular lung cancer treatment. The doctor can use a combination of treatments, or can use just a single treatment, based on the overall health of the person, age, gender, lifestyle habits, and the stage of the cancer.

One of the most preferred lung cancer treatments is chemotherapy. The cancer-causing cells are destroyed with the help of drugs. The drugs are introduced into the body with the help of a catheter. The number of sessions that a patient would require would depend on the stage of the lung cancer and whether it has spread to some other tissue or organ.
Another COPD lung cancer treatment is radiation therapy. In this treatment, the patient is subject to high doses of radiation to kill the cancer-causing cells. At times, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used in conjunction.

However, based on the lung cancer stage, the doctor may also opt for surgically removing the malignancy from the lungs. The surgery may involve removing just a small portion of the lung where the tumor is growing, or it may involve removing the entire lung. If the malignancy is located close to the edges of the lungs, the doctor may use a less invasive type of surgery known as assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This surgery requires a small incision to remove themalignancy. It ensures faster recovery.

At times, the oncologist may ask the COPD lung cancer patient to be a part of an experimental therapy. In such trials, the outcome of the treatment is uncertain. So, usually patients have to sign a declaration stating that they will not hold the oncologist responsible if the outcome is not favorable.

Along with managing and treating lung cancer, the doctor will also manage the COPD. Since there is no cure for COPD, the doctor will ensure that airflow to the lungs is restored with the help of bronchodilators. If there is swelling of the tissue, the doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. Infections, which can be lethal with COPD and lung cancer, are treated with the help of antibiotics. To ease breathing, at times, the patients may also be given supplemental oxygen. If the COPD is severe and so is the lung cancer, the doctor may advise a lung transplant.

However, it goes without saying that a person suffering from COPD and lung cancer will have to stop smoking immediately.

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