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The lungs are the body's most hardworking organs. They expand and contract around 20 times each minute to deliver oxygen to tissues all over the body, and expel carbon dioxide which is generated throughout the body. They are two soft and spongy organs located in the chest that intake oxygen when inhaled and release carbon dioxide when exhaled.

Cancer that initiates in the lungs is known as lung cancer. Cancer in the lungs is common and people who smoke are at the highest risk of developing it. The risk of lung cancer rises with the duration of the smoking period and the number of cigarettes smoked. The silver lining though is that, if one quits this habit even after some years, one can significantly minimize the chances of developing lung cancer.

Cancer Therapy India offers the best lung cancer treatment in India . We have top lung cancer doctors in Bangalore that have the resources and expertise to give you the care you require.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer mostly doesn't show signs and symptoms in its initial stages. Lung cancer symptoms mostly appear when the disease is advanced. 

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:

• A new cough that doesn't go away
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Losing weight without trying
• Bone pain
• Headache
• Wheezing
• Unexpected weight loss

 Having some of these symptoms is not an indication of lung cancer, but if one or more of them persist for more than two weeks or more, then you should see a doctor and an immediate health screening is a must. Consult a lung cancer specialist in Bangalore immediately if you see any related symptoms. 

Types of Lung Cancer

The main types of lung cancer are non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. They vary in the size of the cell, as seen under a microscope.

• Non-small cell lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer is an umbrella term for various types of lung cancers and around 75-84% of lung cancer cases in India are non-small cells. There are three subtypes:
  • Adenocarcinoma
  • squamous cell cancer
  • large cell carcinoma
• Small cell lung cancer: Small cell lung cancer arise almost exclusively in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small cell lung cancer. Around 13-18% of lung cancer cases in India are small cells. This type tends to increase more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer.

Stages of Lung Cancer

The staging of cancer defines how much it has spread through the body and how dangerous it is. Staging helps healthcare professionals and individuals determine a suitable course of treatment.

The most primary form of staging is as follows:

• localized, wherein the cancer is within a slight portion
• regional, wherein cancer has spread to close tissues or lymph nodes
• distant, wherein cancer has spread to different parts of the body

Similar to this is the TNM staging system. Healthcare professionals assess the tumor for size and spread, whether or not it influences the lymph nodes, and whether or not it has spread somewhere. There are also certain ways of staging non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.

When should one consult a doctor?

One should consult a lung cancer specialist in India if he/she develops the sign or symptoms associated with lung cancer, in particular if they have

• new constant cough or worsening of an existing chronic cough
• blood in the sputum
• persistent bronchitis or repeated respiratory infections,
• chest pain
• unexplained weight loss and/or fatigue, and
• breathing difficulties such as reduction of breath or wheezing

Screening of Lung Cancer

Undergoing periodic screening may be the best idea for people with a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Screening is with a small-dose CT scan.

• The American Lung Association suggests screening if a person meets all the following criteria:
• Age is between 55–80 years
• Has a history of heavy smoking (30 pack-years, which is 1 pack per day for 30 years or 2 packs per day for 15 years)
• Presently smokes or has quit smoking within the last 15 years

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

Diagnosing lung cancer begins with a conversation with your physician and a physical exam. They’ll want to go through your health history and any symptoms you’re having. You will also need tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests might include:

• Imaging tests: An abnormal mass can be seen on MRI, CT, X-ray, and PET scans. These scans give more detail and also find smaller lesions.
• Sputum cytology: If you produce phlegm when you cough, a microscopic examination can determine if cancer cells are present.
• Bronchoscopy: A lighted tube is passed down your throat and into your lungs while you are sedated, allowing a closer view of your lung tissue.

A biopsy may also be required. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of lung tissue is taken and examined under a microscope. This procedure can be used to detect whether or not tumor cells are cancerous.  A biopsy may be performed using one of the following methods:

• Mediastinoscopy: During a mediastinoscopy, your physician makes an incision at the base of the neck. A lighted instrument is inserted and surgical tools are used to collect samples from lymph nodes. It’s usually done in a hospital under general anesthesia.
• Lung needle biopsy: In this procedure, a needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the suspicious lung tissue. It can also be used to test lymph nodes. It’s normally done in a hospital and you’ll be given a sedative to make you feel relaxed.

If the biopsy results are positive for cancer, you may require additional testing, such as a bone scan, to help determine if cancer has spread and to help with staging.

Treatment of Lung Cancer

Treatment will depend on several factors, including:

• the type of cancer
• the stage and location of the cancer
• the person’s overall health
• their individual preferences

All the treatment methods can have adverse effects. A person should speak with their healthcare professional about the most acceptable choice for them, including the pros and cons of each option.

Some treatment options include:

• Surgery: It is performed to remove part or all of a lung.
• Chemotherapy: It refers to a drug treatment that can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Radiation therapy: In this therapy, we use high-energy rays to kill cancerous cells.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: In this a healthcare professional inserts a thin needle and an electric current are used to destroy the cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: This therapy targets specific behavior to prevent tumor growth.
• Immunotherapy: It helps the body to fight cancer cells.
• Palliative therapy: It includes pain relief, oxygen therapy, and other help that a person may be required to manage their symptoms.

A healthcare surgeon will work with the individual and modify their treatment plan as their needs change.

Lung cancer is a possibly incurable type of cancer, but people who get diagnosed on time often have a better chance of survival. People with a high risk of having lung cancer may wish to consider undergoing constant screening. This can spot the initial signs and allow for treatment before cancer expands. An individual who has concerns about their risk of lung cancer should talk with their best lung surgeon.

 Cancer Therapy has a  team of lung cancer specialist in Bangalore who have wide experience and strive their best to help lung cancer patients by offering state of art treatment facilities.