Understanding Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is often associated with smoking, although it can also occur in non-smokers.
Symtoms of lung cancer
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Unintended weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Recurrent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
What are the Treatment Options for Lung Cancer?
Diagnosing lung cancer typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, imaging tests (such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or PET scan), and sometimes biopsy. Treatment options for lung cancer depend on several factors, including the type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer), the stage of cancer, and the patient's overall health. Treatment may include
Surgery:
Surgical options for lung cancer may include removing the tumor (lobectomy or pneumonectomy), a portion of the lung (wedge resection or segmentectomy), or nearby lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be used before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumors, after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as the primary treatment for advanced or metastatic lung cancer
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy drugs attack specific abnormalities within cancer cells, such as genetic mutations or proteins that promote their growth. These drugs may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy, particularly for non-small cell lung cancer with specific mutations.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy drugs help the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy has become a standard treatment option for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, particularly for patients whose tumors express certain biomarkers like PD-L1.
Palliative care
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with advanced lung cancer by managing symptoms, providing pain relief, and offering emotional and spiritual support.
Clinical trials may also be available for patients with lung cancer, offering access to new treatments and approaches that are still being studied for their safety and effectiveness. Cancer care services for lung cancer typically involve a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, and palliative care experts. These teams work together to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs and preferences.
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