Complete Expert Guide on Lung Cancer: Its Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

This form of cancer is very common and comes to be one of the serious ones worldwide, suffering millions every year. Although lung cancer is one of the most common deadly cancers today, early detection and advanced treatment have put survival rates at an all-time high. Understand the disease characteristics, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment so that people can make informed health decisions.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is an abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth inside the lung with tumors that may spread to other parts of the body. It mainly affects the airflow passageways, lung tissues of the body and other structures of lungs.

Lung cancer has two major types:

1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

80-85%: most common. It grows slowly.
Subtypes include:

• Adenocarcinoma – A common lung cancer that starts in mucus-producing cells in the lungs.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – A lung cancer that develops in the flat cells lining the airways.
• Large Cell Carcinoma – A fast-growing lung cancer that can appear in any part of the lung.

2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

A very fast-growing, aggressive type of cancer that has usually been associated with cigarette smoking. It spreads most times before any associated symptoms appear.

Who Is at Risk? (Risk Factors)

That certainly adds several chances to contract lung cancer.

Major Risk Factors

• Smoking (primary reason) – cigars, cigarettes, bidis, hookahs
• Exposure to second chemicals smoke
• Family history of lung cancer
• Occupational exposure to asbestos, radon, silica and diesel fumes
• Air pollution (very important in metro cities in India)
• Previous radiation therapy to chest

Emerging Concerns in India

• Increasing pollution in Delhi, NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru
• Adoption of e-cigarettes and vaping among the youth
• Long exposure to construction and industrial chemicals

Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Usually, lung cancer in its early stage is symptom-free. However, some of the symptoms that usually develop when the disease has progressed include the following:

• Chronic cough that worsens while time goes by.
• Chest pains and/or discomfort.
• Shortness of breath (difficulty in breathing).
• There is blood in cough (hemoptysis).
• Changes in the voice (hoarseness).
• Unexplained changes in weight.
• Repeated pneumonia or bronchitis with increasing frequency.
• Tiredness and weakness.

For any of these symptoms that last more than 2-3 weeks, please go see a thoracic surgeon or a pulmonologist:

Lung Cancer: How It Is Detected

The earlier the diagnosis, the higher the window for successful treatment.

1. Imaging Tests

• X-ray Tests on the Chest
• CT scan of the chest
• Detection of the spread by performing a PET scan

2. Sampling of Tissue (Biopsy)

• Needle biopsy – A procedure where a thin needle is used to remove a small sample of lung tissue for testing.
• Bronchoscopic – Tissue or cell sampling done using a bronchoscope inserted through the airway.
• EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound) – A minimally invasive biopsy using ultrasound via bronchoscope to access deeper lymph nodes.
• Surgical biopsy – A procedure where tissue is removed through a small incision for a more detailed examination.

3. Molecular Tests

Specialized mutation-detecting tests such as:

• EGFR – A gene that, when mutated, causes uncontrolled lung-cancer cell growth.
• ALK – A gene rearrangement that drives certain lung cancers to grow and spread.
• ROS1 – A gene fusion linked to a specific subtype of lung cancer.
• PD-L1 levels – A marker that helps determine if immunotherapy will be effective.

Those help to select targeted therapies.

Stages of Lung Cancer

Staging indicates how far the cancer has extended:

In NSCLC, Stages

• Stage I: Tumor only in lung
• Stage II: Spread to the nearby lymph nodes
• Stage III: Spread to mediastinal lymph nodes
• Stage IV: Spread to the other organs (liver, brain, bones)

SCLC Stages

• Limited Stage
• Extensive Stage

Treatment Options for Lung Cancer

Treatment shall always depend upon the type, the stage and the overall health of the patient.

1. Surgery

Used for early-stage NSCLC. Procedures include:

• Lobectomy – Surgical removal of an entire lobe of the lung.
• Segmentectomy – Removal of a small, diseased segment of the lung while preserving healthy tissue.
• Pneumonectomy – Complete removal of one whole lung.
• VATS / Robotic Lung Surgery (minimally invasive) – Advanced keyhole surgery using small cuts and robotic or video-assisted tools for precise lung operations.

2. Radiation Therapy

Usually used either when surgery is contraindicated or it is administered with chemotherapy.

3. Chemotherapy

Cells that grow quickly get destroyed by anti-cancer drugs.

4. Targeted Therapy

Patients with specific genetic mutations are targeted.
Examples:

• EGFR inhibitors – Medicines that block EGFR gene mutations to stop cancer cells from growing.
• ALK inhibitors – Drugs that target ALK gene rearrangements and prevent cancer cell multiplication.
• ROS1 inhibitors – Targeted therapies that block ROS1 gene fusion to slow or stop tumor growth.

5. Immunotherapy

Uses immune response of the individual’s body against the cancer.
Common drugs include Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab.

6. Palliative Care

Concentrating on quality of life in advanced stages.

Can Lung Cancer Be Prevented?

There are no methods of prevention for all cases, but rather, almost all of them can be lowered by:

• Avoidance of smoking & tobacco entirely
• Minimization of exposure to secondhand smoke
• Use of protective equipment in chemical locations
• Monitoring levels of air pollution
• Balanced diet rich in antioxidants
• Regular screening for high-risk patients

Lung Cancer Statistics in India

The rising lung cancer cases in India are attributed to:

• Severe air pollution (Delhi NCR ranks highest)
• Increased tobacco consumption
• Hazards of the occupational environment in factories and industries
• Poor awareness regarding early screening

The cities that report high cases:

• Delhi
• Gurgaon
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Bengaluru
• Kolkata

For residents living in Delhi NCR, it becomes very important to visit a good thoracic surgeon for diagnosing the condition at the earliest.

Diet & Lifestyle Tips for Lung Cancer Patients

• Consume nutrient-rich foods (fresh fruits, vegetables, high-protein diet)
• Avoid fried, processed foods
• Stay hydrated
• Breathe easy
• Moderate physical activity, as directed by your doctor

FAQs

1. What is the first sign of lung cancer?

Mostly, a continuous cough or a change in an existing cough is the very early sign.

2. Can non-smokers get lung cancer?

Yes, pollution, genes and chemical exposure are reasons for lung cancer in non-smokers.

3. Is lung cancer curable?

Lung cancer is usually treatable and potentially curable if caught early -especially Stage I.

4. How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Imaging tests (X-ray, CT, PET) with biopsy to confirm.

5. Which doctor treats lung cancer?

In lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, thoracic surgeons, oncologists and pulmonologists specialize.

Why Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri? For the Master of Surgery in Lung Cancer

With the surgical developments increasing so rapidly, what is that which Dr. Puri adds to the already enriching field of lung cancer treatment? Here are some basic reasons you would want to consider:

Clinical expertise & commitment

In terms of thoracic surgeries, Dr. Puri has rich experience augmented by all the modern techniques with much commitment towards minimally invasive and robotic procedures. It guarantees the patients the advantage of an extensive surgical knowledge in addition to cutting-edge innovation.

Patient-centred approach

Every patient receives a clear explanation of risks and benefits, tailored surgical planning specific for their cancer type and stage and full informed consent. Patient comfort, understanding and engagement become central to care at the level of Dr. Puri’s team.

Best-in-class robotic and thoracic infrastructure

Dr. Puri operates under a facility with high-tech robotic systems, coupled with multidisciplinary thoracic surgery teams. These capabilities ensure high precision in lung-cancer resections, great surgery and complex procedures within the chest.

Proven track record of safety and efficacy

Patients under his care have experienced fewer complications, shorter hospitalizations and faster recovery times. His outcomes strongly evidence the safe and effective lung-cancer surgeries.

Continuous innovation & learning

He is at the forefront of robotic surgery, thoracic oncology and lung-transplant research. He responsibly integrates evolving technology such that the patients get to enjoy access to state-of-the-art treatment options at all times.

What to Consider When Looking for a Surgeon or Centre for Lung Cancer Surgery

When considering surgery for lung cancer, following are the important things to look into:

• The number of thoracic/robotic lung-cancer procedures performed by the surgeon and the center.
• Robotic thoracic surgery or specialized lung-cancer surgery certification or accreditation.
• Access to alternative or hybrid solutions (laparoscopic, open surgery) as required.
• Openness about outcomes: data on complications, post-operative follow-up care and long-term survival.
• Availability of multidisciplinary care and support personnel, including oncologists, pulmonologists, physiotherapists and rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Lung cancer is a truly serious illness; however, ever-increasing manageability is achieved when detected early and treated correctly. There has been a dramatic improvement in outcomes with modern medical technologies such as robotic surgery, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Awareness, timely screening and lifestyle changes comprise an important part of prevention and early detection.