Ask The Doctor

Dear Ask The Doctor: My wife had her left lung and broncial tube removed because of cancer, the cancer is gone but can this evasive surgry shorten her life? even if it prolonged it with the cancer?

Dear Bryon: Lung cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in women. Unfortunately, it is the number one cause of cancer related death. Since your wife has already had surgery and is now cancer free, she has better than average chance of survival. The surgical procedure done was aimed at improving not only her longevity but also the quality of life that she leads. The surgery does not shorten her life but rather lengthens it. As with any surgery there are possible complications which I am sure your surgeon has discussed with you.