Lung cancer treatment includes a range of therapies used to remove cancer, destroy cancer cells or slow the growth of the disease. The treatment recommended for you depends on the type of lung cancer, its stage, the location of the tumour and your overall health.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, our specialists use advanced diagnostic techniques and personalised treatment plans to help patients receive the most appropriate care at every stage of their cancer journey. Our multidisciplinary team works together to provide comprehensive lung cancer treatment, from diagnosis and treatment planning to recovery and follow-up care.
Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs begin to grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. Normally, your body creates new cells to replace old or damaged ones. This process helps your organs function properly. Sometimes, changes occur within cells that cause them to continue growing when they should stop.
As these abnormal cells multiply, they can form a mass of tissue called a tumour. Over time, the tumour can affect how the lungs function and may spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
Lung cancer refers to cancers that begin in the lungs. It most commonly starts in the airways of the lungs (bronchi and bronchioles) or in the tiny air sacs known as alveoli. Cancer that starts in another part of the body and spreads to the lungs is not usually considered primary lung cancer. Instead, it is known as metastatic cancer that has spread to the lungs.
Several cancers can affect the lungs, but the term 'lung cancer' is most commonly used to describe two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer and accounts for the majority of cases. Common subtypes include:
Less common subtypes include:
Compared with small cell lung cancer, NSCLC usually grows and spreads more slowly.
Small cell lung cancer is less common but tends to grow and spread more quickly. Because of its aggressive nature, it is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage.
The main types of SCLC include:
Treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other systemic treatments.
Not every cancer found in the lungs is classified as lung cancer. Some cancers may begin in the tissues surrounding the lungs or spread to the lungs from other parts of the body.
These include:
These cancers are treated differently and are not typically grouped under the term lung cancer.
Lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may develop and become more noticeable. Common symptoms of lung cancer include:
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than lung cancer. However, it is important to consult a doctor if symptoms persist, worsen or cause concern.
Before starting treatment, we need to confirm the diagnosis and determine how far the cancer has spread. This information helps us develop the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
The diagnostic process usually begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle factors. Our specialists may ask about smoking, exposure to harmful substances and any family history of cancer. We may also perform a physical examination as part of the evaluation.
Blood tests cannot diagnose lung cancer on their own. However, they help us assess your overall health and evaluate how well different organs are functioning before treatment begins.
Imaging tests help us examine your lungs and identify abnormal areas. These tests may include:
These imaging studies help us determine the size and location of a tumour and assess whether the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm lung cancer. During a biopsy, our specialists remove a small sample of tissue or cells from the lung. We then examine the sample under a microscope to determine whether cancer is present and identify the type of lung cancer.
Depending on the location of the tumour, we may perform the biopsy using a needle, bronchoscopy or another specialised procedure.
After lung cancer is diagnosed, we may perform molecular testing on the biopsy sample.
This test looks for specific genetic changes in cancer cells that may influence treatment decisions. The results help us determine whether targeted therapies are likely to be effective for your cancer.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, we may recommend additional tests to determine the stage of the cancer.
Understanding the stage helps us select the most appropriate treatment approach and develop a personalised treatment plan based on your condition and individual needs.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, we offer a range of treatment options for lung cancer. Depending on the type of lung cancer, its stage and your overall health, our specialists develop a personalised treatment plan to help remove cancer, destroy cancer cells, slow disease progression and manage symptoms.
Our specialists may recommend surgery when lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread extensively. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumour along with a margin of healthy tissue around it. Depending on the size and location of the cancer, we may perform:
After surgery, we may recommend additional treatments to help reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
We use chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth throughout the body. Our specialists may recommend chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of both non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. Our radiation oncology team carefully targets the tumour while minimising exposure to healthy tissue. We may recommend radiation therapy:
Some lung cancers have specific genetic changes that help them grow. We use targeted therapies to block these genetic changes and slow cancer growth. These treatments can be highly effective for patients whose cancers carry specific genetic mutations.
Not all patients are suitable for targeted therapy. We use molecular testing to determine whether this treatment is suitable for your condition.
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and respond to cancer cells more effectively. Cancer cells can sometimes avoid detection by the body's natural defences. We use immunotherapy to help the immune system identify and attack these cancer cells.
For some patients with advanced lung cancer, immunotherapy can be an important part of the treatment plan.
The stage of lung cancer describes how large the cancer is and whether it has spread. Understanding the stage helps us recommend the most appropriate treatment approach based on your condition and individual needs.
At this stage, the cancer is usually confined to the lung. We often recommend surgery to remove the tumour. Depending on your individual circumstances, we may also recommend additional treatment to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Stage 2 lung cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment often includes surgery followed by chemotherapy. In some cases, we may also recommend radiation therapy as part of your treatment plan.
Stage 3 lung cancer is more advanced and may involve nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Depending on the extent of the disease, we may recommend:
Our specialists often combine multiple treatments to achieve the best possible outcome.
Stage 4 lung cancer means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. At this stage, our focus is on controlling the disease, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. Treatment options may include:
Advances in lung cancer treatment have helped many patients with advanced disease live longer and maintain a better quality of life. Our specialists work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan based on the type of cancer, its genetic characteristics and your overall health.
Like all cancer treatments, lung cancer treatment can cause side effects. The type and severity of side effects vary depending on the treatment received.
After surgery, you may experience:
Most patients gradually regain strength as they recover.
Chemotherapy may cause:
Many of these side effects can be managed with medicines and supportive care.
Radiation therapy may cause:
These side effects often improve after treatment is completed.
Recovery after lung cancer treatment is different for every patient. While some patients recover quickly, others may need more time and ongoing support.
Our specialists work closely with you throughout the recovery process and may recommend breathing exercises, physical activity, nutritional support and regular follow-up appointments to help improve your recovery and overall well-being.
No. Immunotherapy can be highly effective for some patients, but its effectiveness depends on the type of lung cancer and specific characteristics of the tumour.
Lung cancer can sometimes be cured when it is diagnosed and treated at an early stage. The chances of a cure generally decrease as the cancer becomes more advanced.
Yes. Stage 4 lung cancer can be treated with therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy to help control the disease and manage symptoms.
Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, getting adequate rest and attending regular follow-up appointments can support overall health during treatment and recovery.
Yes. Although smoking is the leading risk factor, lung cancer can also occur in non-smokers due to factors such as air pollution, radon exposure, secondhand smoke and genetic factors.
Some treatments may cause side effects such as fatigue, shortness of breath or nausea, which can temporarily affect daily activities. Most patients can gradually return to their normal routine with appropriate care and recovery.
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