Every Patient Deserves
Best Care and Treatment
Dr. Bhavana Parikh DNB (Oncosurgery)
Lung Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad
Lung Cancer
DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENTS, CAUSES
About Aurum Cancer Care
Welcome to Aurum Cancer Care, where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care for individuals battling lung cancer. Led by renowned expert Dr. Bhavana Parikh, our team is dedicated to offering advanced treatments and support tailored to each patient’s unique needs. In this article, we’ll delve into lung cancer, its symptoms, and how our specialized approach at Aurum Cancer Care can make a difference in your journey to recovery.
Understanding Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a serious condition characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the lungs. It is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and can manifest in various forms, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). While smoking remains a significant risk factor, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to factors such as exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer:
The symptoms of lung cancer can vary depending on the type, stage, and location of the tumor. Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Recurrent respiratory infections
It’s essential to recognize these symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if you experience any concerning changes in your health. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and overall prognosis.
Expert Care at Aurum Cancer Care:
At Aurum Cancer Care, we understand the challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. Led by Dr. Bhavana Parikh, a distinguished lung cancer specialist in Ahmedabad, our multidisciplinary team offers personalized care and the latest advancements in cancer treatment. Dr. Parikh brings years of experience and expertise in managing all stages of lung cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.
Our Approach to Treatment:
We believe in a holistic approach to lung cancer treatment, focusing not only on eradicating the disease but also on improving quality of life and providing emotional support to patients and their families. Our comprehensive treatment options may include:
Surgery
Surgical resection to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
Chemotherapy
Systemic treatment to target cancer cells throughout the body.
Radiation Therapy
Precise radiation techniques to shrink tumors and alleviate symptoms.
Immunotherapy
Cutting-edge therapies that harness the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Throughout your treatment journey, our team will collaborate closely with you to develop a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences. We prioritize open communication, empathy, and shared decision-making to ensure that you feel supported every step of the way.
Types
Based on the appearance of malignant cells under a microscope, there are two primary forms of lung cancer:
1. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
The majority of lung cancer cases are NSCLC. This lung cancer type grows at a relatively slower rate. Following are the subtypes of NSCLC:
- Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is a cancer type that develops in the mucus-producing cells that are present in the lining of the air sacs.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of cancer that develops in the squamous cells present in the lining of the airways.
- Large Cell Carcinoma: Large cell carcinoma is a type of lung cancer that develops in large cells in any part of the lung.
Causes
Scientists have identified a few risk factors that are strongly associated with lung cancer development, and they are:
- Smoking: Smoking is said to be responsible for 80–90 per cent of lung cancer cases. Passive smoking, often known as second-hand smoking, occurs when a person inhales smoke from another person’s cigarette. It is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Those who live with smokers have a 20-30% greater risk, while those who are exposed to second-hand smoke have a 16-19% higher risk, compared to non-smokers who are not exposed to such circumstances.
- Exposure to Radon Gas: Long-term exposure to radon gas, which accumulates in buildings, particularly in basements and other low-lying locations, raises the risk of lung cancer.
- Exposure to Harmful Chemicals and Pollutants: Long-term exposure to dangerous chemicals and pollutants such as asbestos, arsenic, diesel smoke, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, chromium, silica and others can raise the risk of lung cancer.
- Lung Cancer in the Family: Those with a family history of lung cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
- Personal Lung Cancer History: Those who have previously been treated for lung cancer are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer again.
- Radiation Therapy to the Chest in the Past: Cancer survivors who have received chest radiation therapy are more likely to develop lung cancer.
Diagnosis
There are multiple testing methods available for the detection and diagnosis of lung cancer
Initially, a physical examination and a thorough assessment of the medical history are performed to understand the cause of the symptoms. If any abnormalities are suspected, then additional tests may be recommended.
a. Imaging Tests: A chest X-ray scan may be recommended if an abnormal lump or nodule is suspected. A CT scan of the lungs can identify microscopic lesions that aren’t visible on an X-ray.
b. Sputum Cytology: If a patient has a cough with sputum, it may be collected and examined under a microscope to check for the presence of lung cancer cells.
c. Biopsy: During the biopsy, a tissue sample is collected from the abnormal mass, and it is analysed under the microscope. There are numerous ways that doctors use to collect the biopsy sample.
- Bronchoscopy: During bronchoscopy, the doctor examines the abnormal regions of the lungs using a specialised tube called a bronchoscope. This tube has a light source and a camera. Even specialised tools can be sent to collect biopsy samples during this procedure. The sample obtained so is sent for further analysis.
- Mediastinoscopy: This procedure involves making an incision at the base of the neck and inserting surgical equipment behind the breastbone to obtain tissue samples from lymph nodes.
- Needle Biopsy: During needle biopsy, the doctor guides a needle through the chest wall and into the lung tissue to collect abnormal cells with the help of X-ray or CT images
In the next stage, PET/CT scan may be recommended to determine the extent or stage of the disease. Imaging tests like PET/CT, MRI scans, etc., are used in disease staging, treatment planning and therapy monitoring.
Treatment
Treatment plans for lung cancers are devised upon considering various factors such as the stage of the disease, exact size and location of the tumour, the patient’s age and the overall condition of the patient. The main treatment options available for lung cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
a. Surgery: During surgery, the surgeon removes the tumour with a small portion of healthy tissues present around the tumour. Depending on the stage of the disease, there are multiple surgical procedures that doctors opt for, in order to ensure proper management of the disease:
- Wedge Resection: Wedge resection is recommended for early-stage lung cancers where only the tumour-containing part of the lung is removed along with a margin of healthy tissue.
- Segmental Resection: Segmental resection removes a larger portion of the lung; however, this procedure does not excise the entire lobe.
- Lobectomy: Lobectomy removes the entire tumour-affected lobe of the lung.
- Pneumonectomy: This procedure is performed to operate and remove the entire lung.
If cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, these lymph nodes may be removed as well.
Along with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both may be recommended before or after the surgery to ensure that all cancer cells are destroyed. Before the surgery, these treatments can help in shrinking the tumour size, which makes the surgery easier.
b. Radiation therapy: To destroy cancer cells, radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams from sources such as X-rays and protons.
Radiation may be administered before or after surgery for patients with locally advanced lung cancer. It’s frequently used in conjunction with chemotherapy for better clinical outcomes. If surgery isn’t an option, the primary treatment given may be a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy may also help ease symptoms, such as pain in advanced lung cancer cases, which have spread to other organs.
c. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses strong medications to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy medications can be delivered intravenously (via a vein in your arm) or taken orally. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiation therapy for better treatment results. It can also be used to shrink tumours and make them easier to remove before surgery.
Lastly, chemotherapy can be used to treat pain and other symptoms in patients with advanced lung cancer.
d. Targeted Therapy: Targeted medication treatments are designed to target specific vulnerabilities associated with cancer cells. Targeted medication treatments can kill cancer cells by inhibiting these abnormalities.
Targeted therapy for lung cancer is recommended in cases where the disease has progressed to advanced stages, and the patient is not responding to other treatment modalities.
e. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that stimulates the patient’s immune system to fight against cancer. As cancer cells create proteins that assist them to hide from immune system cells, the patient’s immune system fails to recognise cancer cells and attack them. Immunotherapy interferes with the immune system’s natural processes and causes the immune cells to attack the cancer cells.
Just like targeted therapy, immunotherapy is often recommended for those patients who have advanced-stage lung cancers.
Support Services:
In addition to medical treatments, Aurum Cancer Care offers a range of support services to address the holistic needs of our patients. These may include nutritional counseling, pain management, psychological support, and access to support groups. We understand that living with lung cancer can be challenging, and we are here to provide guidance and encouragement throughout your journey.
FAQs
What are the common risk factors for lung cancer?
The primary risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Other factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants such as radon and asbestos, a family history of lung cancer, and certain genetic mutations.
What are the different types of lung cancer?
Lung cancer is broadly categorized into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC accounts for about 85% of lung cancer cases and includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. SCLC is less common but tends to grow and spread more quickly than NSCLC.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Symptoms of lung cancer can vary but commonly include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, and recurrent respiratory infections. It’s important to note that some individuals may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis often begins with a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans. Confirmation of lung cancer typically requires a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is obtained and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
What are the treatment options for lung cancer?
Treatment for lung cancer depends on factors such as the type, stage, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment plan is often tailored to each individual’s specific needs and may involve a combination of these approaches.
What is the prognosis for lung cancer?
The prognosis for lung cancer varies widely depending on factors such as the stage at diagnosis, the type of cancer, and the patient’s overall health. Early detection and treatment generally lead to better outcomes. However, lung cancer is often diagnosed at later stages when it has already spread, which can impact prognosis.
. How can lung cancer be prevented?
While not all cases of lung cancer can be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk. These include avoiding tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, quitting smoking if you currently smoke, minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants such as radon and asbestos, and adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
What support services are available for individuals with lung cancer?
Many hospitals and cancer centers offer a range of support services to help individuals and their families cope with the challenges of lung cancer. These may include counseling, support groups, nutritional guidance, pain management, palliative care, and access to resources for financial assistance or transportation. Additionally, organizations such as the American Lung Association and Lung Cancer Foundation provide information, advocacy, and support for those affected by lung cancer.
