Q: Can lung cancer be operated by minimally invasive surgery?

Yes, by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for many early stages. The minimally invasive route enables faster recovery than open thoracotomy. The decision depends on tumour location and extension.

Q: What is stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)?

A highly precise form of radiotherapy delivered in just 3 to 5 sessions, targeting the tumour exclusively while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It is indicated for small T1–T2 tumours in inoperable patients.

Q: What is immunotherapy?

A treatment that reactivates the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells (anti-PD1, anti-PD-L1). It is indicated as first-line or in combination with chemotherapy for many advanced lung cancers, based on PD-L1 status.

Q: Is molecular biology systematic?

Yes for lung adenocarcinomas: screening for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS G12C, BRAF, MET, RET mutations and PD-L1 status — decisive for choosing a targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Performed at Clinique Achark in Oujda.

Q: Smoking cessation: is help available at the clinic?

Yes. A dedicated smoking-cessation consultation is integrated into the pathway, with medical and psychological support. Stopping improves treatment tolerance and long-term outcome.

Question 1

Do you have to be a smoker to get lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

No. Smoking remains the leading risk factor (active and passive), but 10 to 20% of lung cancers occur in non-smokers, linked to other factors (occupational exposure, radon, pollution, genetic predisposition).

Question 2

Is lung cancer screening available in Oujda?

Accepted Answer

A low-dose chest CT may be offered to high-risk subjects (heavy smokers ≥ 30 pack-years, age 50–74, current smokers or who quit < 15 years ago). This individual screening strategy is discussed during consultation at Clinique Achark in Oujda.

Question 3

Can lung cancer be operated by minimally invasive surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for many early stages. The minimally invasive route enables faster recovery than open thoracotomy. The decision depends on tumour location and extension.

Question 4

What is stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)?

Accepted Answer

A highly precise form of radiotherapy delivered in just 3 to 5 sessions, targeting the tumour exclusively while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It is indicated for small T1–T2 tumours in inoperable patients.

Question 5

What is immunotherapy?

Accepted Answer

A treatment that reactivates the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells (anti-PD1, anti-PD-L1). It is indicated as first-line or in combination with chemotherapy for many advanced lung cancers, based on PD-L1 status.

Question 6

Is molecular biology systematic?

Accepted Answer

Yes for lung adenocarcinomas: screening for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS G12C, BRAF, MET, RET mutations and PD-L1 status — decisive for choosing a targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Performed at Clinique Achark in Oujda.

Question 7

Smoking cessation: is help available at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A dedicated smoking-cessation consultation is integrated into the pathway, with medical and psychological support. Stopping improves treatment tolerance and long-term outcome.

Lung cancer in Oujda:
fast diagnosis, personalised treatment.

The 5-step pathway at Clinique Achark in Oujda

From diagnosis to treatment

Low-dose chest CT

Bronchoscopy

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery

Frequently asked questions from Oriental-region patients

Cited medical sources