Any disorder that affects a person's lungs is referred to as lung disease. Some of these lung diseases can be treated by surgery, although the process involved in the surgery will vary greatly depending on the type of lung disease the patient is suffering from.

There are, however, two primary reasons for lung surgery; the first is to repair lung tissue, while the second is to remove lung tissue. At Medline Plus, you can find more details about the different types of lung surgery, prognosis and risks. The following are five of the most common conditions for which lung surgery is used.

1. A Lung Mass

A very common reason for lung surgery is a lung mass or unidentified growth on the lungs. If a patient is found to have a lung mass, surgery will be carried out to remove and examine the tissue. This must be done in order to find out if the mass is malignant or benign. The vascularhealthrtr website will provide you with important details and information regarding the various types of surgery which may be carried out to examine the mass or growth.

2. Lung Cancer

According to the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research, almost 170,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. Surgery is often used to treat cancer when it is discovered in the early stages. If the cancer is localized, in one area of the lung and has not spread to the lymph nodes or chest cavity, then the affected tissue can be removed. The Institute's website is a useful resource for anyone who wishes to learn more about lung cancer and the available treatments.  In cases of pleural thickening as a result of mesothelioma lung cancer, one surgical procedure is called thoracentesis.  Thoracentesis is performed to remove the fluid from around the lungs with a needle.  In other cases, a surgeon might perform a pleuroectomy, where the pleura is removed altogether.

3. Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is more commonly known as a collapsed lung. When air collects in the chest outside of the lung, it can cause the lung to collapse. This can happen as a result of an accident in which the chest is injured, such as a fractured rib or stabbing. It may also be a result of another type of lung condition such as asthma or cystic fibrosis. In the case of a collapsed lung, surgery will be carried out to repair the lung.

4. Pulmonary Edema

Patients suffering from certain illnesses, such as pneumonia or chronic bronchitis, may collect large amounts of fluid inside their lungs. This is known as pulmonary edema or fluid in the lungs. It has also been known to occur after certain types of surgery. In very severe cases, surgery is carried out to insert tubes into the pleural space, which allows the fluid to drain from the lungs and help them to heal. Many websites contain valuable information about pulmonary edema and the various treatments which are currently available.

5. Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic and progressive lung condition which causes the air sacs of the lungs to become enlarged. This makes it difficult for the lungs to get sufficient oxygen, and even exhaling can become painful because the airways are obstructed. Around two million Americans are affected by this disease, which is often caused by smoking. Generally, certain parts of the lungs will be more affected than others. When this is the case, lung volume reduction surgery can be carried out. This surgery allows the lungs to function more efficiently. At the University of Southern California's School of Medicine website you can find details about the surgery and who may qualify as a good candidate.