Lung Cancer Surgery Market Size, Share and Trends 2026 to 2035

Revenue, 2025

USD 1.55 Bn

Forecast Year, 2035

USD 2.76 Bn

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

5.95%

Report Coverage

Global

What is the Lung Cancer Surgery Market Size in 2026?

The global lung cancer surgery market size was calculated at USD 1.55 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 1.64 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 2.76 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.95% from 2026 to 2035.The market is driven by rising cancer awareness, advancements in early detection, better access to advanced treatment options, and the increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgeries.

Key Takeaways

• By region, North America led the lung cancer surgery market in 2025.
• By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the upcoming period.
• By procedure type, the lobectomy segment led the market with the largest share in 2025.
• By procedure type, the segmentectomy segment is observed to grow at the fastest CGAR during the foreseeable period.
• By surgical approach, the open surgery segment led the global market with a major share in 2025.
• By surgical approach, the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the foreseen period.
• By cancer type, the non-small cell lung cancer segment held the largest share of the market in 2025.
• By cancer type, the small cell lung cancer segment is observed to expand at the fastest rate in the coming years.
• By provider type, the hospitals segment led the market while holding the largest share of 65% in 2025.
• By provider type, the cancer care centers segment is observed to grow at the fastest rate in the foreseen period.

Market Overview

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for the highest mortality rates among both men and women. The rising prevalence of tobacco smoking has significantly increased the incidence of lung cancer, contributing to more than 1.8 million deaths annually. Growing emphasis on early detection and treatment, given that the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when therapeutic options are limited, is driving growth in the lung cancer surgery market. However, the high cost of lung cancer surgery remains a key restraint.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Lung Cancer Surgery Market

The era of artificial intelligence in disease management is advancing rapidly. Machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing are improving the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. AI now enhances lymph node sampling tools, bronchial segment identification, and robotic-assisted tumor resections. Augmented reality overlays generated from AI-analyzed imaging help surgeons visualize tumor margins in real time, reducing incomplete resections and improving outcomes. However, algorithmic bias, data privacy issues, and the need for strong clinical validation remain challenges. AI is being used as a support tool rather than a replacement for specialists, promoting safer adoption and steady market growth.

What are the Key Trends Influencing the Lung Cancer Surgery Market?

• Rising adoption of minimally invasive surgeries, including robot assisted and video assisted techniques, is reducing health risks, shortening recovery times, and minimizing hospital stays, thereby driving strong procedural demand.
• Growing government support for healthcare research, a strong regulatory framework, and increasing integration of AI technologies are strengthening innovation and driving sustained growth in the market.
• Increasing awareness of lung cancer and government initiatives supporting early detection are boosting timely surgical intervention, improving the surgery rate, and accelerating market growth.
• Advances in genomic sequencing may allow surgeons to identify genetic aberrations within a patient's tumor and perform more advanced surgery followed by appropriate treatment.

Market Scope

Segment Insights

Procedure Type Insights

How Does the Lobectomy Segment Dominate the Market?

The lobectomy segment dominated the lung cancer surgery market with the largest share in 2025 and is expected to sustain its growth trajectory during the forecast period. This is because it is the standard surgical procedure for treating early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. This procedure was first performed in 1913 and involves the surgical removal of a lung lobe and remains the gold standard for resectable lung cancer, especially when combined with lymph node dissection.

Widely used in early-stage lung malignancies and select benign conditions, the procedure has significantly evolved with advancements in surgical technique, anesthesia, and infection control. Improved safety, precision, and patient outcomes have strengthened clinical acceptance, positioning lobectomy as a preferred choice.

The segmentectomy segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This is because it offers a lung-sparing alternative to lobectomy, making it ideal for patients with early-stage tumors or limited pulmonary function. This procedure involves resection of a specific portion of a lung lobe and includes procedures such as basal segmentectomy, lingulectomy, and upper division lobectomy.

Compared to more extensive resections, it is associated with significantly lower major morbidity and improved perioperative outcomes. Although frequently performed in larger lobes, it consistently demonstrates favorable clinical results. The growing shift toward lung-preserving and minimally invasive surgical approaches is also contributing to the segment growth.

Surgical Approach Insights

What Made Open Surgery the Dominant Segment in the Market?

The open surgery segment dominated the lung cancer surgery market with the largest share in 2025. This is because it is a traditional surgical method. As a well-established approach, open thoracic surgery continues to be widely performed, particularly in advanced and late-stage lung cancer cases. The procedure involves an incision along the side of the chest following the rib curve, with temporary opening of the ribcage to access the affected lung area. The preference for this surgical approach has been increasing due to the rising incidence of lung cancer and the increasing diagnosis at later stages.

The video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segment is projected to expand at the fastest rate in the foreseeable years due to the rising demand for minimally invasive surgical approach. In this procedure, a tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the chest through one or more small incisions in the chest wall. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has become a leading minimally invasive technique for thoracic procedures, providing benefits such as less postoperative pain, shorter hospitalizations, and faster recovery compared to conventional open thoracotomy. These assistances are driving widespread adoption of this technique and contributing significantly to market growth.

Cancer Type Insights

What Made Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) the Dominant Segment in the Market?

The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) segment dominated the market with a major share in 2025, as it is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% to 85% of all cases. It develops when normal cells in the lungs undergo abnormal changes and begin to grow uncontrollably. NSCLC can spread to other parts of the body before noticeable symptoms appear, and in some cases, it may not cause symptoms at all in its early stages. As a result, early detection and treatment are often delayed. This late diagnosis frequently leads to the need for surgical intervention, contributing to the segment's dominance.

The small cell lung cancer (SCLC) segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. It is more aggressive than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is primarily caused by smoking, with higher smoking intensity significantly increasing the risk. It can spread rapidly within the chest and to other parts of the body. As a result, many patients require surgical intervention, which supports the growth of this segment.

Provider Type Insights

How Does the Hospitals Segment Lead the Market in 2025?

The hospitals segment led the lung cancer surgery market by holding the largest share in 2025 due to their comprehensive infrastructure and access to advanced surgical technologies. Hospitals offer a wide range of treatment options, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiotherapy, along with multidisciplinary medical teams and strong surgical expertise, making them a preferred choice for patients due to their advanced treatment capabilities. Additionally, increasing patient awareness and insurance coverage further drives the preference for hospital-based lung cancer surgeries.

The cancer care centers segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the upcoming period. This growth is driven by comprehensive aftercare services offered by these centers and the increasing demand for personalized, cancer-specific treatments. Availability of advanced tools for diagnosis, specialized software for cancer management, and a strong multidisciplinary approach are further supporting this segment's expansion. Rising patient preference for specialized care, early diagnosis programs, and access to cutting-edge treatments are further driving the adoption of cancer care centers for lung cancer surgery.

Regional Insights

What Made North America the Leading Region in the Lung Cancer Surgery Market?

North America dominated the lung cancer surgery market, holding the largest share in 2025. This leadership is driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure and a high rate of technology adoption. The region's strong position is further supported by the high prevalence of lung cancer cases, largely associated with smoking and environmental exposure, which directly increases the demand for surgical interventions. Additionally, favorable reimbursement policies and the widespread adoption of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical technologies are accelerating procedure volumes. The presence of sophisticated systems such as the da Vinci Surgical System enhances surgical precision and clinical outcomes, further strengthening North America's role in the global market.

U.S. Market Analysis

The U.S. lung cancer surgery market is driven by favorable regulatory environments and the pace of technological adoption. The market is experiencing steady expansion, supported by the increasing use of minimally invasive procedures such as VATS and robotic-assisted surgeries, which offer significant growth opportunities. In addition, early detection initiatives, particularly low-dose CT screening programs, are improving the diagnosis of operable tumors at earlier stages, further reinforcing market growth.

How is the Opportunistic Rise of Asia Pacific in the Lung Cancer Surgery Market?

Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR throughout the forecast period, driven by increasing awareness programs related to lung cancer, supported by both private and public organizations. The region features a dynamic mix of established pharmaceutical companies, innovative biotech firms, and emerging regional players. Leading multinational corporations leverage extensive R&D capabilities, regulatory expertise, and global distribution networks to maintain strong market positions.

China Market Analysis

China is strengthening its efforts to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment, leading to the adoption of more advanced surgical techniques in lung cancer management. The growing use of minimally invasive procedures is contributing to improved treatment efficiency and expanding market growth.

Japan Market Analysis

Japan's healthcare sector is increasingly integrating AI technologies, significantly influencing the lung cancer surgery equipment market. AI-driven diagnostic tools and advanced surgical planning systems enhance precision, reduce operative time, and improve patient outcomes, thereby accelerating the adoption of advanced surgical equipment.

What Drives the Market in Europe?

The lung cancer surgery market in Europe is driven by increasing awareness of lung cancer, early detection programs, and government initiatives to improve access to advanced healthcare. Rising adoption of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted thoracic surgeries, growing investment in state-of-the-art surgical infrastructure, and the presence of well-established hospitals and cancer care centers further fuel market growth.

UK Market Analysis

The UK has a strong healthcare infrastructure. The demand for lung cancer surgeries is rising due to increased awareness, early detection, and access to advanced surgical techniques. The country's focus on improving patient outcomes through minimally invasive procedures and advanced surgical technologies is contributing to steady market growth.

Operating in the Market Companies

• Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon LLC)
• Medtronic Plc.
• Intuitive Surgical Inc.
• Olympus Corporation
• Siemens Healthineers
• Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
• Accuray Incorporated
• Teleflex Incorporated
• B. Braun Melsungen AG
• AngioDynamics Inc.
• Richard Wolf GmbH
• Stryker Corporation
• KLS Martin Group
• Boston Scientific Corporation
• GE HealthCare

Segments Covered in the Report

By Procedure Type

• Lobectomy
• Segmentectomy
• Pneumonectomy
• Other

By Surgical Approach Type

• Open surgery
• Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
• Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS)

By Cancer Type

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

By Provider Type

• Hospitals
• Cancer care centers
• Other

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa