Best Thoracic Oncology Hospital in Noida, Delhi, India

Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a serious and often deadly disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow and multiply uncontrollably. These cancerous cells do not perform the normal functions of healthy lung tissue and can form tumors that interfere with breathing and lung function. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with more people succumbing to it each year than breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers combined.

Types of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is broadly classified into two main types based on the appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This is the more common type, accounting for about 85% of all lung cancer cases. NSCLC includes several subtypes, such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. NSCLC is generally less sensitive to chemotherapy compared to small cell lung cancer.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): This type is less common, representing around 15% of lung cancer cases. SCLC is known for its rapid growth and tendency to spread quickly to other parts of the body. However, it is more responsive to chemotherapy than NSCLC.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Early-stage lung cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to detect early. However, as the disease advances, typical symptoms may include:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood or phlegm
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Bone pain
• Headaches

Additionally, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, symptoms may vary depending on the location of the metastatic tumors.

Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Diagnosing lung cancer typically involves a combination of the following:

Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans can help detect abnormal growths or lesions in the lungs.

Sputum Cytology: Microscopic examination of mucus (sputum) coughed up by the patient can reveal the presence of cancer cells.

Biopsy: A sample of the suspicious lung tissue is obtained through various techniques, such as bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, or needle biopsy. The biopsy sample is then analyzed to determine the type and stage of the lung cancer.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, additional tests may be conducted to determine the stage of the cancer and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options

The treatment for lung cancer depends on the type, stage, and other individual factors. Common treatment modalities include:

• Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor and affected lung tissue may be an option for early-stage NSCLC.
• Chemotherapy: Cytotoxic drugs are used to kill cancer cells and slow the progression of the disease.
• Radiation Therapy: Utilizes high-energy radiation to precisely target and eliminate cancer cells.
•        Targeted Therapies: Medications that target specific genetic mutations or molecular pathways in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: A treatment that leverages the body’s immune system to target and combat cancer cells.

The choice of treatment depends on the individual case and is determined by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including thoracic oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and others.

Early detection and a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan are crucial in improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with lung cancer.

Treatment of Lung Cancer

When diagnosed with lung cancer, a multidisciplinary team—including thoracic surgeons, lung specialists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists—will manage the patient’s care. It is crucial to discuss all available treatment options before making a decision. The main treatment options consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Surgery

Surgical treatment aims to remove the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy tissue. Common surgical procedures include:

• Wedge Resection: Removes a small, localized section of the lung containing the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue. This procedure is a less invasive alternative to lobectomy.
• Segmental Resection (Segmentectomy): Involves removing a larger portion of the lung that contains the tumor but not an entire lobe. It is used for larger tumors or when the cancer is in a specific segment of the lung.
• Lobectomy: The removal of an entire lobe of the lung. This is often necessary for tumors that are too large or invasive to be treated with less extensive surgery.
• Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung. This may be necessary for extensive cancers affecting the entire lung or other severe conditions like COPD or tuberculosis.
• Pre-Surgical Therapy: Chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended to shrink large tumors before surgery, making them easier to remove.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and other advanced methods reduce hospital stay and recovery time, allowing quicker return to normal activities.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves a combination of drugs designed to kill cancer cells throughout the body. This treatment is particularly effective for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and is used when cancer has spread beyond the lungs. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered intravenously or orally and are often given in cycles to allow recovery between treatments. It can be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy and may also be administered before surgery to reduce tumor size or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to target and kill cancer cells. It is typically used for early-stage lung cancer or in cases where surgery is not an option. Radiation therapy can be administered on its own or combined with chemotherapy. It can also help relieve symptoms in advanced cancer cases.

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Focuses radiation beams from outside the body onto the tumor. It is commonly used for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and when cancer has spread to other organs.
• Brachytherapy: Involves placing radioactive material inside or very close to the tumor. It is less common for lung cancer but used in specific situations to treat localized tumors.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy targets specific genetic and molecular abnormalities in cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, these therapies are often oral and less harsh. They work by blocking the pathways that allow cancer cells to grow and spread, providing an effective long-term treatment option for many patients.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy leverages the body’s own immune system to combat cancer. This approach has made significant strides in recent years and was recognized with the Nobel Prize in 2018. Immunotherapy can lead to dramatic responses in some patients, especially in advanced stages. It is typically administered as an infusion every few weeks and can offer long-term benefits. However, its effectiveness varies, and it is essential for experts to determine the appropriate use and monitor potential side effects.

What We Do

• Metro Cancer Institute diagnoses and treats approximately 500 patients with thoracic cancers annually.
• Metro Hospital in Delhi provides comprehensive cancer care through a team of certified oncologists and specialists, backed by extensive specialty services.
• Treatments include all types of thoracic cancers such as lung, esophageal, mesothelioma, chest wall tumors, mediastinal tumors, and metastatic cancers.
• Patients benefit from weekly tumor board meetings for multidisciplinary input and discussions with experts nationwide through the National Cancer Grid Virtual Tumour Boards.
• Personalized treatment plans incorporate genetic and molecular data, following contemporary North American and European protocols.
• Participation in multicenter clinical trials and ongoing research ensures access to the latest advancements in thoracic cancer care.
• Dedicated staff support patients and their families with psychological and social needs.

FAQs

Is thoracic cancer curable?
Cure rates for early-stage lung cancer are high, ranging from 80% to 90%. As the cancer progresses or spreads, the likelihood of a cure decreases.

What are the common types of thoracic cancers?
Common thoracic cancers include lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and thymic tumors.

How does thoracic cancer treatment affect breathing?
Treatment can impact breathing depending on the cancer’s location and the individual’s overall health.

What are the potential long-term effects of treatment for thoracic cancer?

Long-term effects may include lung and heart damage and an increased risk of secondary cancers.

What is the survival rate for thoracic cancer?
Survival rates vary by cancer type and stage, with early detection significantly improving the chances of survival.