Lung cancer is a serious disease that develops in the lungs. It is counted among other global health concerns. Its primary causes are smoking, but other factors like exposure to pollutants and certain genetic conditions can also make the situation worse.

Types of Lung Cancer

· Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): This type of cancer grows rapidly and tends to spread quickly.

· Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This is the most common type of lung cancer and grows more slowly than SCLC.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Treatment Options

The treatment for lung cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Common treatment options include:¹

• Surgery: Surgical removal of the cancerous lung tissue is a primary treatment option for early-stage lung cancer.
• Chemotherapy: This involves using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells in a specific area.
• Targeted Therapy: This therapy targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.

Top Hospitals for Lung Cancer Treatment

• Apollo Hospitals
• Fortis Healthcare, Delhi 
• Max Institute of Cancer Care, De;lhi
• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai

Top Doctors for Lung Cancer Treatment

• Dr. Sandeep Batra
• Dr. Gowshikk Rajkumar
• Dr. Harit Chaturvedi
• Dr. Amit Saklani
• Dr. Suresh Advani
• Dr. Meenu Walia
• Dr Bhuvan Chugh

FAQs

1. What causes lung cancer?

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, and certain occupational exposures.

2. What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

Early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, hoarseness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue.

3. How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Lung cancer is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including chest X-ray, CT scan, PET scan, and biopsy.

4. What are the treatment options for lung cancer?

Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

5. Is lung cancer treatable?

The treatment of lung cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Early-stage lung cancer is more treatable than advanced-stage lung cancer.

6. What is the survival rate for lung cancer?

The survival rate for lung cancer varies depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health.

7. Can lung cancer be prevented?

The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.

8. What are the risk factors for lung cancer?

Risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, and certain occupational exposures.

9. Is lung cancer painful?

Lung cancer itself is not usually painful. However, complications such as pneumonia or bone metastases can cause pain.

10. Can lung cancer be cured?

While lung cancer can be cured in early stages, advanced-stage lung cancer is often difficult to cure. However, treatment can help improve quality of life and extend survival.