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Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Treatment in Kolkata: A Comprehensive Guide

Lung cancer is the fourth most common cancer in India, originating in the lungs, which are vital for breathing. Despite several  public awareness campaigns lung cancer incidences are increasing and unfortunately many patients are being diagnosed at a late stage.

Understanding Lung Cancer: Types and Risk Factors

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What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lung begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably. These abnormal cells initially form a tumor, followed by invasion to nearby tissue, and later metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body.

Key Takeaway: Lung cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the lungs, potentially leading to tumor formation and spread.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

Many risk factors contribute to the development of lung cancer. The most significant ones are:

  • Smoking: Smoking in any form is the single  most important cause of lung cancer. It accounts for over 80% of cases. Not only first-hand smoke, even secondhand smoke exposure and third-hand exposure to tobacco  increases the risk of having lung cancer.
  • Environmental Smoke and Air Pollution: Pollution in the form of smoke generation through any form also increases the risk of lung cancer and this is causing increased incidences of lung cancer  among non-smokers. Air pollution is also an important risk factor.
  • Occupational Exposure: Exposure to Asbestos, radon gas, and diesel exhaust due to occupational hazards also increases the risk of having lung cancer
  • Chronic Lung Diseases: Chronic lung disease like chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis secondary to past history of pulmonary tuberculosis infection  increases the risk of having  lung cancer.

Because of environmental smoke and air pollution, even non-smokers are having  lung cancer.

Recognizing Lung Cancer Symptoms and Getting Diagnosed

Key Lung Cancer Symptoms to Watch For

Early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms. Many symptoms of lung cancer are often similar to those seen in  common diseases like Tuberculosis and COPD and thus it gets ignored leading to diagnosis of lung cancer at advanced stages. If you’re experiencing any persistent concerning symptoms , seek a Lung Cancer Symptoms Specialist. These are :

  •   Persistent Cough which is not resolving over 4 weeks
  •   Breathlessness during exertion and over time at rest
  •   Chest pain
  •   Unexplained weight loss
  •   Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
  •   Hoarseness of voice: Recent change in voice
  •   Fatigue
  •   Decreased Appetite

If lung cancer has spread (metastasized) to other organs, symptoms may occur in other parts of the body such as bone pain (bone involvement), neurological symptom (brain involvement), or jaundice (in liver involvement).

Advanced Lung Cancer Diagnosis in Kolkata

Diagnosing lung cancer involves a series of tests to confirm the presence of cancer and to determine the histological subtype, and stage the disease. For accurate Lung Cancer Diagnosis Kolkata, one can consider Dr Sandip Ganguly who is an expert in lung cancer management.. Common diagnostic tests include:

 

Commonly the first imaging test performed.

Detailed imaging to detect lung masses and involvement of lymph nodes.

Assesses cancer spread to other organs and is way more superior than conventional CT scan.

To determine involvement of cancer cells in the brain as it may not be routinely detected by PET CT.

 Direct visualization of the airways and biopsy of the tumor if it is located in the bronchus.

For peripheral lung lesions and also from the most accessible area if the tumor has metastasized to other organs.

To assess involvement of the lymph nodes in the chest and sample it .

 To prove the tumor as cancerous and do  additional IHC studies to determine the type of lung cancer.

Identifies genetic mutations such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, MET, and PD-L1 expression levels. These are critical for personalized and targeted therapy. If you need Molecular Testing Lung Cancer Kolkata, consult an expert like Dr Sandip Ganguly

 Essential if the tumor is localized or locally advanced to determine how the underlying normal lung is functioning. It is very Essential before surgery or definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Staging of Lung Cancer

Staging helps to determine the extent of disease and guides treatment planning. It is based on the AJCC TNM system:

  •   T (Tumor): Size and location of the primary tumor.
  •   N (Nodes): Involvement of nearby lymph nodes.
  •   M (Metastasis): Spread to distant organs.

Stages:

  •   Stage I: Localized, confined to the lung.
  •   Stage II: Spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  •   Stage III: Involvement of mediastinal lymph nodes or structures.
  •   Stage IV: Distant metastasis (brain, bones, liver, etc.).

Fact: Early diagnosis significantly improves lung cancer prognosis. Regular screenings for high-risk individuals are crucial to detect lung cancer at an earlier stage

Effective Lung Cancer Treatment Options in Kolkata

The treatment of lung cancer depends on the type, stage, molecular profile, and overall performance status of the patient. Ideally, a multidisciplinary team consisting of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, and radiologists is involved. If you are looking for Lung Cancer Treatment Kolkata, Dr. Sandip Ganguly and his team provide comprehensive care. He is widely considered the Best Oncologist Lung Cancer India. If you are suffering from lung cancer, you can also seek a second opinion from him just to be sure that everything is going right. 

Surgical Approaches for Lung Cancer

 Surgery: Best suited for early-stage (I & II) NSCLC.

  •     Segmentectomy/Wedge Resection: It is used when the tumor is very small.
  •     Lobectomy: Involves removal of a lung lobe.
  •     Pneumonectomy: Involves surgical excision of the whole lung.

Radiation and Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer

  1. D. Radiation Therapy: Used in locally advanced lung cancer when surgery is not possible. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for localized tumors. Whole Brain Radiotherapy (WBRT) or SRS for brain metastases. Palliative Radiotherapy is used to relief pain due to metastases. 
  2. Chemotherapy: Dr. Sandip Ganguly is a Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer Expert. Chemotherapy is used  in almost all stages of lung cancer. Common drugs include Platinum compounds like Cisplatin and Carboplatin. They are used in combinations with other agents like Pemetrexed, Paclitaxel, and Gemcitabine. 

Breakthrough Targeted Therapy aImmunotherapy

  1.  Highly effective for patients with specific genetic mutations. The genetic mutations get detected by doing molecular testing on the biopsy specimen or liquid biopsy (where patients’ blood sample is drawn to determine the presence of mutations in the blood sample).

 Examples include:

  1. EGFR inhibitors: Erlotinib, Gefitinib, Dacomitinib, Osimertinib, Lazertininb, Amivantamab.
  2. ALK inhibitors: Crizotinib, Ceretinib, Alectinib, Lorlatinib.
  3. ROS1 inhibitors: Crizotinib.
  4. D.MET, RET, BRAF, KRAS G12C inhibitors: These days targeted therapies are available for these mutations also.

     These are oral therapies and often have fewer side effects than chemotherapy and give better results compared to chemotherapy. If you are searching for Targeted Therapy Lung Cancer India, consult Dr. Sandip Ganguly. He can provide EGFR ALK ROS1 Lung Cancer Treatment.

Immunotherapy  boosts the body’s  immune system to attack cancer cells and destroy them. Used in PD-L1 positive or driver mutation-negative advanced cancers. In first-line treatment they are used either in combination with chemotherapy or alone if PDL1 is more than 50%. In second line setting they are used alone. Checkpoint Inhibitors include Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Atezolizumab, Tislelizumab.. For Immunotherapy Lung Cancer Kolkata, Dr. Sandip Ganguly is an experienced practitioner as he has taken part in global clinical trials.

Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: A Growing Concern

It is becoming a concerning health problem these days among never smokers. The majority are women and the most common histology is adenocarcinoma. Fortunately most of them have EGFR or ALK mutations, which makes them eligible for targeted therapy. These cancers behave differently and often respond well to personalized treatment. Dr. Sandip Ganguly is an expert in providing personalized treatment to patients with lung cancer.

Prevention, Screening, and Living with Lung Cancer

Preventing Lung Cancer and Early Detection

Preventive Strategies:

  • Quit smoking: The most effective preventive measure. Use nicotine replacement therapy to avoid nicotine withdrawal symptoms if required.
  •   Avoid secondhand smoke.
  •   Air pollution control.
  •   Use of protective equipment in hazardous workplaces.
  •   Healthy diet and regular exercise.

Lung Cancer Screening:

 Screening means to detect cancer at a much earlier stage even before the appearance of any symptoms.

 Lung cancer can be screened by Low-dose CT (LDCT) scans and it is recommended for high-risk individuals:

  1.   Age 50–80 years.
  2.  History of smoking 20 pack-years.
  3.  Current smoker or quit within the last 15 years.

Expert Tip: If you meet the high-risk criteria, discuss low-dose CT (LDCT) screening with your doctor. Early detection saves lives.

Living with Lung Cancer: Support and Advanced Management

A diagnosis of lung cancer can be life-changing. But with early detection, advances in treatment, and supportive care, many patients can live longer and better. Key components of long-term care include:

  •   Regular follow-ups
  •   Side-effect management
  •   Psychological counseling
  •   Nutrition support
  •   Rehabilitation

   Dr. Sandip Ganguly provides comprehensive Advanced Lung Cancer Management. He is considered the Best Doctor for Lung Cancer in West Bengal.

Research and Hope in Lung Cancer Treatment

There is huge development in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer like liquid biopsy, AI-assisted imaging, CAR-T cell therapy, and new immunotherapy agents. Clinical trials offer access to novel treatments and play a vital role in shaping future care. Participation in clinical trial often gives the best possible treatment to the patient at free of cost.

Q. Why Choose Dr. Sandip Ganguly for Lung Cancer Treatment in Kolkata?

A. Dr. Sandip Ganguly is a renowned oncologist in Kolkata with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all types and stages of lung cancer. His patient-centric approach, combined with expertise in advanced therapies like targeted therapy and immunotherapy, ensures the best possible outcomes for his patients.he has been a lead investigator in many practice changing global clinical trials on the management of lung cancer

Services Offered by Dr. Sandip Ganguly:

  •   Personalized Lung Cancer Treatment Plans
  •   Accurate Diagnosis and Staging
  •   Access to Advanced Therapies (Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy)
  •   Comprehensive Palliative Care
  •   Guidance on Lung Cancer Screening

Unsure About the Right Treatment?

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Sandip Ganguly today for expert Lung Cancer Treatment in Kolkata

Dr Sandip Ganguly

Dr. Sandip Ganguly

Seasoned Medical Oncologist with 15+ years of cancer care experience.

+91 99039 74739