Lung Cancer Treatment in Delhi

Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer-related deaths worldwide? In India, the incidence of lung cancer is increasing at an alarming rate – it is the top four deadliest cancers and the most common type in men. According to a report published by the National Cancer Registry Programme, lung cancer cases are likely to increase from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million in 2025.

The sharp rise in lung cancer has been attributed to factors like tobacco and alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and a sedentary lifestyle. While tobacco use is considered the primary cause of thoracic cancer, the incidence is growing even in non-smokers and women. The fast-growing prevalence of lung cancer makes it imperative to have access to advanced treatment options.

This guide takes a comprehensive approach to lung cancer treatment in Delhi. Lung cancer starts in the lungs and gradually spreads to the other organs in the chest. It occurs due to an uncontrolled growth of cells in one or both lungs. Abnormal cells multiplying involuntarily in your lungs eventually grow into a mass or tumour that inhibits the organs from functioning optimally. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent, accounting for almost 80% of all lung cancer cases in India. 

Dr. Harshvardhan Puri is India’s first board-certified thoracic surgeon in gurgaon with vast experience providing safe and effective lung cancer treatment in Delhi.

Types of Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are the two primary subtypes of lung cancer.

NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer)

• Adenocarcinoma: It’s frequently observed in the outer regions of the lungs and is typical in non-smokers.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: A cancer that starts in the bronchial tubes.
• Large cell carcinoma: Less prevalent than adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can occur in any area of the lung.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

• A very aggressive subtype
• Represents 10–15% of instances of lung cancer.
• Tends to spread quickly and calls for drastic measures in therapy.

Treatment of lung cancer by Stage

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri is well-known for his proficiency in lung cancer treatment in Delhi. Being a skilled oncologist, he provides tailored treatment programmes based on the unique requirements and cancer stage of every patient.

According to the disease's stage, lung cancer treatment differs:

• Early Stage (Stage I and II): The mainstay of treatment for lung cancer that is still in its early stages is frequently surgery. This means taking out the tumour together with the surrounding tissue. To lower the chance of a cancer recurrence, radiation treatment or chemotherapy may occasionally be suggested in addition to surgery.
• Advanced Stage (Stage III and IV): Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy may be used in conjunction to treat advanced lung cancer. These therapies seek to lessen symptoms, enhance quality of life, and delay the disease's course.

Diagnosis of Thoracic Cancer

Your doctor will first evaluate your health and work conditions. They will also ask you about your smoking habits. Based on their analysis, they may recommend the following lung cancer diagnosis tests: 

• Chest X-ray 

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan )

• Computerised Tomography Scan (CT Scan)

• Fine-Needle Aspiration 

• Sputum Cytology 

• Blood tests 

• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

If a lump is found, your doctor may perform a biopsy test to identify if the tumour is malignant. 

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer 

In most cases, the symptoms of lung cancer go unnoticed unless it reaches the advanced stage. The common indications include the following: 

• Chronic coughing that does not go away 
• Pain in the chest 
• Hoarseness, where your voice sounds rough and breathy 
• Blood in sputum 
• Feeling tired and weak 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Muscle weakness 

If you experience any or all of these symptoms, you should con

Treatments For Lung Cancer

Lung cancer treatment in Delhi encompasses a multidisciplinary approach that depends on the size of the tumour, age of the patient, stage of lung cancer, and overall health.

1. Surgery 

Surgery is considered the most effective treatment option if a patient is diagnosed with lung cancer at an early stage. During the process, the tumour is removed along with the surrounding tissues to prevent metastasis (spreading of cancerous cells to the adjacent organs). The type of surgical procedure to be performed will depend on the location and size of the tumour. 

2. Radiation 

Radiation treatment uses highly targeted X-ray energy to kill cancer cells in the affected area. It can be given before the surgery to shrink the size of the lump and make the operation less invasive. It can also be used after surgery to prevent the cancerous cells from returning. Often, radiation therapy is given to Stage III patients in combination with chemotherapy. It may also provide symptomatic relief in patients with advanced lung cancer. 

3. Chemotherapy 

It is a commonly used lung cancer treatment in Delhi that involves using certain kinds of drugs to eradicate cancer cells. Chemotherapy may help shrink the size of the tumour or kill any cancer cells that may be left behind after surgery. It is the only treatment option for patients with Stage IV lung cancer. The drugs can be administered orally or can be given intravenously.

4. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is recommended for patients in advanced stages of lung cancer. The drugs are administered through the intravenous route, helping improve the patient’s immunity to fight against cancerous cells. 

Risk involved in lung cancer

Smoking tobacco is the most significant risk factor associated with lung cancer. The more you smoke cigarettes or consume tobacco, the higher your risk of getting the disease. “Secondhand” smoking is also responsible for thousands of thoracic cancer cases every year. 

Excessive ultraviolet radiation or exposure to radioactive materials like radon also increases the likelihood of lung cancer. The possibility of lung cancer is higher if your work involves direct contact with asbestos or carcinogens. A family history of thoracic cancer may also increase your risk of getting the disease. 

Why Dr Harsh?

Dr Harsh is thoroughly trained in performing minimally invasive as well as advanced thoracic surgeries with success rates. He has been awarded the President’s Gold Medal for high standards of clinical precision and patient care. Consult your healthcare practitioner for proper diagnosis and effective lung cancer treatment in Delhi. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr Harshvardhan Puri and discuss your risks of lung cancer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does smoking cause thoracic cancer? 

Smoking tobacco is one of the primary causes of lung cancer in India. Tobacco contributes up to 90% of all thoracic cancer cases. While it cannot cause cancer alone, it is the biggest contributor.

Q. How much does lung cancer treatment in Delhi cost? 

The average cost of lung cancer treatment in Delhi is around INR 2 lakhs to INR 8 lakhs or more. The cost may vary depending on the severity of the cancer and the experience of the doctor.

Q. I never smoked tobacco. Why did I get lung cancer? 

Unfortunately, even a non-smoker may get lung cancer due to several factors such as Second-hand smoking, Exposure to heavy metals and radiation, Air pollution, Chronic lung diseases 

Q. How much does it cost to treat lung cancer in Delhi?

The stage of cancer, the necessary treatment options, and the healthcare institution selected all affect how much treating lung cancer costs in Delhi. Expenses often vary anywhere between INR 2,50,000 to INR 10,00,000 and higher. It is best to speak with individual hospitals for precise and up-to-date information about lung cancer treatment in Delhi costs.

Q. Which hospital is best for lung cancer treatment in India?

Medanta In India, the Medical City Hospital in Delhi is well known for providing exceptional lung cancer care. With state-of-the-art equipment and a group of knowledgeable oncologists, Medanta provides patients with lung cancer with all-encompassing and individualized care. The hospital is a top option for patients looking for excellent lung cancer treatment in Delhi because of its interdisciplinary approach, cutting-edge diagnostics, and creative treatment choices at reasonable prices.

Q. What is the most successful treatment for lung cancer?

The kind, stage, and overall health of the patient all influence which lung cancer treatment is most effective. Surgical techniques, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are examples of common methods. Specialists create individualized treatment programs that typically combine many modalities to attain the best possible results. 

Q. Where is the best place to treat lung cancer?

Patients with lung cancer in Delhi can choose from a variety of treatment modalities. Comprehensive care is offered by the city's healthcare system, with oncologists customizing treatment regimens to meet each patient's needs. Consulting with medical experts guarantees that you have access to a variety of high-quality options for lung cancer treatment in Delhi.

Q. Is lung cancer expensive to treat?

Lung cancer treatment can be expensive, however, Delhi offers reasonably priced solutions. Costs are influenced by things including the cancer's stage and the type of treatment used. Delhi has medical facilities that provide affordable lung cancer treatment. Speaking with medical experts like Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri guarantees that patients seeking economical treatment alternatives will have access to high-quality care without sacrificing their budgets.

Q. What is the new treatment for lung cancer in 2024?

As of 2024, immunotherapy, targeted medicines, and personalized medicine are among the continuing developments in the treatment of lung cancer. New medications and therapy modalities are always being developed, improving patient results and treatment efficiency.