Why might I need a lobectomy?
A lobectomy may be done when a problem has been found in one lobe. A lobe may be removed to avoid spread of disease to the other lobes. This may be the case with tuberculosis or certain types of lung cancer.
Health conditions of the chest and lungs that may be treated with lobectomy include:
Tuberculosis (TB). This is an ongoing (chronic) bacterial infection that usually infects the lungs.
Lung abscess. This is an area of pus that may form in the lung. If the abscess does not go away with antibiotic medicine, it may need to be removed.
Emphysema. This is a chronic illness caused by the breakdown of the elastic fibers in the lungs. This makes it harder for the lungs to move when you breathe.
Benign tumor. This is a growth that is not cancer. It that can press on large blood vessels and affect the function of other organs.
Lung cancer. This is a type of cancer that may affect the bronchi, one or more lobes of the lungs, the pleural lining, or other lung tissue. If not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Fungal infection. Fungi can grow in the body and cause infections.
Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to advise a lobectomy.