Ins And Outs Of Lung Cancer Treatment In India

India is a growing hub for advanced medical care, including lung cancer treatment. The country offers a combination of modern technology, skilled doctors, and affordable options. Hospitals in India provide treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Many facilities use the latest equipment and follow global standards. Patients worldwide choose India for its quality care and cost-effective treatment plans. With experienced oncologists and personalised care, India is a reliable destination for lung cancer treatment. Therefore, it is natural to be inquisitive about lung cancer treatment in India.

What Does Lung Cancer Mean?

Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells start in the lining of the airways and disrupt the normal function of healthy lung tissue. The lungs play a vital role in supplying oxygen to the body, but lung cancer makes it hard for them to work properly.

In India, lung cancer is the most common cancer among men. Many patients seek medical help only when the disease has reached an advanced stage. This delay happens because people often do not suspect lung cancer early. Early symptoms, like coughing or shortness of breath, may seem like minor issues, which leads to late diagnosis. Raising awareness and improving early detection can help reduce the number of late-stage cases.

Locating The Types

Doctors classify lung cancer into two main types based on how the cancer behaves and how they decide on treatment. These types are non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC).

Non-small-cell lung carcinoma is the most common type. It includes subtypes like squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma. Each subtype has its own characteristics, but they all generally grow and spread more slowly compared to small-cell lung carcinoma. This type of lung cancer is often diagnosed at different stages, and treatment options can vary based on the exact subtype and progression.

On the other hand, small-cell lung carcinoma, also known as oat cell carcinoma, gets its name from the shape of its cells under a microscope. This type of cancer is more aggressive. It spreads quickly to other parts of the body and causes very few symptoms in the early stages. Because of its fast growth, small-cell lung carcinoma is often diagnosed at advanced stages, making it more challenging to treat. Despite this, doctors use chemotherapy and other treatments to manage the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life.

What Can Cause Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer develops due to various risk factors. Smoking is the leading cause and is responsible for up to 90% of lung cancer cases. Exposure to harmful substances like asbestos, steel, nickel, chrome, and coal gas can also increase the risk. Radiation exposure is another significant factor. People working in mining, especially those handling uranium, fluorspar, or hematite, may inhale radon gas, which contaminates the air and raises their risk. Other factors also contribute to lung cancer. Breathing secondhand smoke and living in areas with high air pollution can increase the chances of developing the disease. A family history of lung cancer and certain genetic mutations also play a role. Chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), further heighten the risk.

However, not everyone exposed to these risk factors will develop lung cancer. Specialists like Dr. Arvind Kumar encourage individuals to understand these risks and take steps to reduce their exposure. Being aware of potential hazards and adopting healthier habits can lower the chances of developing lung cancer.

Warning Signs Of Lung Cancer

The symptoms of lung cancer are often unclear and can resemble those of infections or other non-cancerous conditions. In some cases, doctors discover lung cancer during routine health check-ups when an X-ray shows a suspicious lung lesion.  A persistent cough that doesn’t go away or changes in a long-standing cough are common signs of lung cancer. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and chest pain. Some people may experience unexplained weight loss, wheezing caused by a blocked airway, or repeated episodes of pneumonia or bronchitis. Hoarseness of voice can also indicate lung cancer.

In some cases, symptoms may appear unrelated to the lungs. These symptoms result from the cancer spreading to other parts of the body. If any of these symptoms last for more than four weeks, it is important to seek medical attention and get the necessary tests done. Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment.

How To Diagnose?

If you suffer from these symptoms, then you must visit a specialist. Your doctor will first ask about your medical history, smoking habits, and work history and perform a physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of the cancer, you may need several tests. These can include a chest X-ray, CT scan, PET scan, sputum cytology, and bronchoscopy. You might also have a fine-needle aspiration, biopsy, or MRI of the brain. Other tests like endo-bronchial ultrasound, mediastinoscopy, bone scans, and lung function tests may also be needed. These tests help determine if the cancer has spread and its stage, which guides the doctor in choosing the best treatment plan.

Treatment Options In India

India offers advanced and affordable treatment options for lung cancer. Doctors decide on the treatment plan based on the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health. The main treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery is a common option for lung cancer when the disease is in its early stages. Surgeons remove the tumour and any affected part of the lung to stop the spread of cancer. Chemotherapy is another widely used treatment. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy can treat advanced stages of lung cancer and is sometimes combined with other treatments.

Radiation therapy, on the other hand, uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Doctors use it to treat specific areas in the lung or to relieve symptoms in advanced cases. Targeted therapy focuses on cancer cells with specific genetic changes. These treatments attack the cancer without harming healthy cells.  Additionally, immunotherapy is a new option that boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It works well for some types of lung cancer and can be an effective addition to other treatments. Many hospitals in India also offer palliative care to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced lung cancer. With world-class technology and experienced oncologists, India is a trusted destination for lung cancer treatment.