Lung Cancer Specialists in Hingani, Nanded, Maharashtra

Lung Cancer is a malignant tumor that arises from the cells lining the airways or air sacs of the lungs, and remains one of the leading causes of cancer death w…

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung Cancer is a malignant tumor that arises from the cells lining the airways or air sacs of the lungs, and remains one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. It is broadly classified into non-small cell and small cell lung cancer, which differ significantly in growth rate and treatment approach. The disease is strongly linked to tobacco smoking, though it can also occur in non-smokers due to other risk factors. Symptoms often appear only after the disease has progressed, contributing to frequently late diagnosis.

Severity

Severe

Prevalence

Very common — one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide

Contagious

Causes of Lung Cancer

Predominantly caused by long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, which damages the DNA of lung cells and leads to malignant transformation. Other significant risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, air pollution, and occupational carcinogens, along with genetic predisposition in a smaller proportion of cases.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Persistent cough that worsens over time, coughing up blood, chest pain that worsens with breathing, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, recurring respiratory infections, fatigue, loss of appetite

Treatment & Types of Lung Cancer in Hingani, Nanded, Maharashtra

Treatment depends on cancer type and stage, ranging from surgical resection for early localized disease to combinations of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy for specific genetic mutations, and immunotherapy for advanced or metastatic disease. Molecular testing of the tumor helps guide selection of the most effective targeted or immune-based treatments.

Lung cancer is broadly classified into non-small cell lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of cases and including subtypes like adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma that tend to grow more slowly, and small cell lung cancer, a less common but faster-growing and more aggressive type strongly linked to heavy smoking that has usually spread by the time it's diagnosed.

Medical Oncology Specialists in Hingani, Nanded, Maharashtra (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-smokers get lung cancer?

Yes, while tobacco smoking is the leading cause, lung cancer can also occur in non-smokers due to radon exposure, secondhand smoke, air pollution, occupational carcinogens like asbestos, or certain genetic mutations.

Why is lung cancer often diagnosed late?

Early lung cancer frequently causes no symptoms, and by the time symptoms like persistent cough, weight loss, or coughing blood appear, the disease has often already progressed, which is why low-dose CT screening is recommended for high-risk individuals.

What is molecular testing and why does it matter for treatment?

Testing the tumor tissue for specific genetic mutations helps identify which targeted therapies or immunotherapies are likely to work best for that individual's cancer, allowing more personalized treatment than chemotherapy alone.

Does quitting smoking help even after a lung cancer diagnosis?

Yes, quitting smoking after diagnosis can improve treatment effectiveness, reduce complications from surgery or radiation, and improve overall survival, so it remains valuable at any stage.

Who should get screened for lung cancer?

Low-dose CT screening is generally recommended for older adults with a significant smoking history, even if they've since quit, as it can detect lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Learn more about Lung Cancer (symptoms, causes, treatment)

Lung Cancer in other localities of Nanded

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