📋 Overview
Lung cancer begins in the lungs — the organs that take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. There are two main types: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC, ~85% of cases) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), which grows faster and spreads earlier.
Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because early symptoms are minimal. However, with low-dose CT scan screening for high-risk individuals, early detection is improving. Dr. Karamvir Yadav at MDCC, Alwar offers comprehensive lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
🔍 Symptoms to Watch For
- Persistent cough that worsens over time (lasting 3+ weeks)
- Coughing up blood or rust-coloured phlegm
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Shortness of breath — even with mild activity
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Hoarseness or voice change
- Frequent respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchitis)
- Swelling in the face or neck
- Bone pain (especially back or hips) if spread
- Headaches, dizziness if spread to brain
⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors
- Cigarette smoking — responsible for 85% of lung cancer cases
- Passive/second-hand smoke exposure
- Radon gas exposure (naturally occurring radioactive gas in homes)
- Asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and other workplace carcinogens
- Air pollution and indoor cooking smoke
- Family history of lung cancer
- Previous lung diseases (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis)
- Prior chest radiation therapy
- Age above 50 (most cases diagnosed after 65)
📊 Types & Stages
NSCLC – Stage I
Cancer only in the lung. Surgery can often cure it completely.
NSCLC – Stage II
Spread to nearby lymph nodes. Surgery + chemotherapy recommended.
NSCLC – Stage III
Spread to lymph nodes in chest. Combined chemo + radiation therapy.
NSCLC – Stage IV
Cancer spread to other organs. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
SCLC – Limited
Confined to one lung and nearby lymph nodes. Chemo + radiation.
SCLC – Extensive
Spread widely. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy to control growth.
💊 Treatment Options
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Surgery
Lobectomy or pneumonectomy for early-stage NSCLC. Best chance of cure.
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Radiation Therapy
SBRT (stereotactic radiation) for inoperable early-stage tumors. High precision.
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Chemotherapy
Used alone or with radiation. Platinum-based regimens most common.
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Targeted Therapy
For EGFR, ALK, ROS1 mutations. Oral pills with fewer side effects.
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Immunotherapy
PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Effective for many NSCLC patients long-term.
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Molecular Testing
Biopsy + gene testing to identify the best targeted treatment for you.
🩺 Diagnosis Methods
- Low-dose CT scan (LDCT) — recommended annually for high-risk smokers
- Chest X-ray — initial screening tool
- Sputum cytology — checks mucus for cancer cells
- Bronchoscopy — camera down the airway to view and biopsy
- CT-guided needle biopsy — for peripheral lung masses
- PET-CT scan — full body imaging to detect spread
- Molecular/genomic testing of biopsy sample for mutation analysis
✅ Prevention Tips
- Quit smoking — single most important step (risk reduces significantly within years)
- Avoid second-hand smoke exposure at home and work
- Test your home for radon gas
- Use protective equipment in workplaces with carcinogens
- Annual LDCT screening for smokers aged 50+ or heavy smokers
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly to maintain lung health