Best Lung Cancer Treatment in Noida, Delhi NCR, India
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs, which are the two spongy organs in the chest responsible for inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. The right lung has three sections, known as lobes, while the left lung has two lobes and is smaller to accommodate the heart.
When we breathe, air enters through the nose, travels down the trachea (windpipe), and divides into two bronchi, which further split into smaller branches called bronchioles. At the end of these bronchioles are tiny air sacs known as alveoli, where oxygen is absorbed into the blood, and carbon dioxide is expelled.
Types of Lung Cancers
Lung cancers are broadly categorized into two main types, each requiring different treatment approaches:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
- Prevalence: Accounts for approximately 80% of lung cancer cases.
Types:
- Adenocarcinoma: Often found in cells that produce mucus, common among smokers and non-smokers alike, and typically grows on the lung’s outer parts. Young women are particularly at risk.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Often linked to heavy smoking, this type originates in the squamous cells lining the airways and is commonly found in the central parts of the lungs.
- Large Cell Carcinoma: Can occur in any part of the lung and is known for its aggressive nature and rapid spread.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Lung Carcinoid Tumors
- Prevalence: Comprise about 5% of lung cancers.
- Characteristics: Slow-growing tumors, which may include other types like adenoid cystic carcinomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas. Additionally, cancers from other organs like the breasts, kidneys, pancreas, and skin can metastasize to the lungs.
Stages of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer stages are defined by the size of the tumor, its spread to surrounding tissues, and metastasis to lymph nodes or other organs:
- Stage 0 (In-situ): Cancer is confined to the top lining of the lung or bronchus.
- Stage I: Cancer is localized within the lung and has not spread outside it.
- Stage II: Larger tumors, potentially spread to lymph nodes within the lung.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or structures, or multiple tumors in different lung lobes.
- Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized to the other lung, fluid around the lung or heart, or distant organs.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Staging:
- Limited Stage: Confined to one lung and nearby lymph nodes.
- Extensive Stage: Spread throughout one lung, both lungs, or other body parts.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer symptoms often appear in advanced stages and may include:
- Persistent or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite & unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Shoulder pain
- Swelling in the face, neck, arms, or upper chest area
- Horner’s syndrome (constricted pupil, drooping eyelid, and reduced sweating on one side of the face)
Metro Hospital in Noida provides comprehensive treatment for lung cancer, utilizing cutting-edge technology and a team of experienced specialists to deliver personalized care. Patients from Noida and beyond trust us for our clinical excellence and commitment to patient well-being.
Causes of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can arise from various factors, with smoking being the most prominent cause. However, non-smokers can also be at risk due to other environmental and genetic factors.
- Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke are at significant risk. Smoking introduces carcinogens into the lungs, damaging the cells lining the respiratory tract. Repeated exposure overwhelms the body’s ability to repair this damage, leading to the development of cancerous cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Previous radiation therapy, especially in the chest area, can increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Radon Gas Exposure: Radon, a naturally occurring gas from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, can accumulate in buildings. Inhalation of radon gas is a known risk factor for lung cancer.
- Family History: Having a family history of lung cancer may elevate the risk, indicating a possible genetic predisposition.
- Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Prolonged exposure to substances like asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and nickel can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer.
Prevention
Effective preventive measures can greatly lower the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Quit Smoking: The most effective way to reduce lung cancer risk is to stop smoking. There are various aids available, including nicotine replacement products, medications, and support groups.
- Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and nutrients that can help reduce cancer risk.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain overall health and strengthens the immune system, aiding in the fight against cancer.
- Avoid Toxic Exposure: Use protective gear, such as masks, when working in environments with hazardous chemicals to safeguard against lung disease.
- Test for Radon: Check your home for radon levels, especially in regions known for high radon exposure.
Diagnosi
Lung cancer diagnosis involves several tests and procedures:
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs help identify abnormal growths or nodules in the lungs.
- Sputum Cytology: Analyzing sputum under a microscope can reveal cancer cells.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample from the lung is examined in the laboratory to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
- Additional Tests: Once diagnosed, further tests like PET scans, bone scans, and MRI may be conducted to determine the cancer stage and extent of spread.
Treatment Options
The treatment approach depends on the type and stage of lung cancer:
Surgery:
- Wedge Resection: Removal of a small section of the lung, including healthy tissue.
- Segmental Resection: Removal of a larger portion of the lung but not an entire lobe.
- Lobectomy: Removal of an entire lobe of one lung.
- Pneumonectomy: Complete removal of one lung.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams target and kill cancer cells, often used in conjunction with other treatments.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs are administered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells, used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
- Targeted Drug Therapy: Focuses on specific abnormalities in cancer cells, blocking these abnormalities to kill the cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.
- Radiosurgery: An intense form of radiation therapy aimed at precisely targeting cancerous tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects experienced after lung cancer treatment?
Post-treatment side effects may include fatigue, anxiety, weight loss, and depression. These can differ based on the type and stage of cancer.. Supportive treatments such as pain management, nutrition therapy, mind-body medicine, and oncology rehabilitation can help manage these effects.
Is lung cancer aggressive?
Lung cancer can vary in aggressiveness. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is particularly aggressive and fast-growing, often diagnosed at an advanced stage when it has spread.
Can non-smokers get lung cancer?
Yes, non-smokers can develop lung cancer due to factors like radon gas exposure, air pollution, genetic mutations, and carcinogens like asbestos and diesel exhaust.
Can lung cancer cause pneumonia?
While lung cancer and pneumonia are distinct conditions, they can have overlapping symptoms, such as a persistent cough and chest pain. Sometimes, pneumonia is diagnosed before the underlying lung cancer is discovered.
Can lung cancer surgery affect breathing?
Shortness of breath is a common side effect after lung cancer surgery, especially if a significant portion of lung tissue is removed. Quitting smoking and regular exercise can improve lung function and overall breathing capacity post-surgery.
