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  • 5/20/2025
Inoperable (unresectable) lung cancer means surgery isn’t an option—but treatments are available. This video covers:
• Types: NSCLC and SCLC.
• Stages: III and IV.
• Diagnosis: Imaging, biopsy, lung function tests.
• Treatments: Radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.
• New Options: Proton therapy, clinical trials.
• Life Expectancy: Managing symptoms and quality of life.
Whether you’re a patient or caregiver, this guide helps you understand inoperable lung cancer and available options.

References:
https://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/ss/cm/slideshow-what-is-inoperable-lung-cancer
Transcript
00:00Welcome back Sunbro, we hope you all in great health and great money.
00:04Before we start, please at least subscribe so we can have little money for food and paying bills.
00:09Alright, today we are going to talk about living with inoperable lung cancer, what you need to know.
00:15If your lung cancer is inoperable or unresectable, surgery can't fully remove it, but treatment is still possible.
00:21This can happen if the tumor is too big, in a tough spot, has spread, or surgery is too risky for your health.
00:27Doctors run tests to decide if surgery is an option.
00:301. Types.
00:31Two main types of lung cancer.
00:33N-SCLC, non-small cell.
00:35Most common, 80-85%, includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, and large cell.
00:41SCLC, small cell.
00:43Less common, 10-15%, but spreads faster.
00:46Either can be inoperable.
00:472. Stages.
00:48Lung cancer ranges from stage 1 to IV.
00:51Inoperable cases are usually, stage 3 where tumors may be too large or near vital areas.
00:55And stage 4 where cancer has spread to other lung areas or distant organs.
01:00Even early stages can be inoperable if the tumor's in a tricky location.
01:043. Diagnosis.
01:06To confirm inoperable cancer, doctors may use CT, PET, or MRI scans.
01:11Biopsy, lung function tests, and blood tests.
01:15They also check if your body can handle surgery.
01:174. Treatment.
01:18Surgery isn't the only option.
01:20You may get radiation, chemo, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, often in combination.
01:26Treatment depends on cancer type, stage, and your health.
01:29The goal is to shrink tumors, ease symptoms, and extend life.
01:335. New options.
01:34Research is ongoing.
01:35New treatments include precision radiation, like proton therapy, and advanced targeted or immune-based therapies.
01:42Clinical trials may offer access.
01:43Ask your doctor if you're eligible.
01:456. Life expectancy.
01:47It varies, but many people live months or years after diagnosis.
01:51Focus is on symptom relief and quality of life.
01:54Palliative care helps manage pain and lets you enjoy your time with loved ones.

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