Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer originates from the epithelial cells of the lungs and is broadly divided into non-small cell (NSCLC) and small cell (SCLC) types.

The condition is often linked to smoking but can also occur in non-smokers due to genetic mutations or environmental exposure.

Treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy depending on cancer type and stage.

Overview And Clinical Background

Types, causes and pathogenesis

Lung cancer develops when genetic mutations lead to uncontrolled cell growth in the lung tissue.

NSCLC accounts for about 85% of cases and includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

SCLC is more aggressive and fast-growing.

TypesNon-Small Cell (adenocarcinoma, squamous, large cell) and Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Risk factorsSmoking, radon exposure, air pollution, and family history.

Mutation driversEGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS mutations often guide targeted therapy.

Symptoms, Signs And Presentation

Symptoms usually appear in advanced stages and may include persistent cough, chest pain, hemoptysis (coughing blood), shortness of breath, and weight loss.

Some patients are diagnosed incidentally on chest imaging.

Respiratory symptomsChronic cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

Systemic symptomsFatigue, unexplained weight loss, or fever.

Advanced diseaseBone pain, neurological deficits, or jaundice from metastasis.

Diagnosis Methods And Investigations

Imaging, biopsy and staging

Diagnosis starts with imaging (chest X-ray, CT, PET-CT) followed by bronchoscopy or CT-guided biopsy for histopathological confirmation.

Staging determines treatment and prognosis.

Imaging testsCT chest, PET-CT, and MRI brain for staging.

Biopsy techniquesBronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), or CT-guided needle biopsy.

Molecular profilingEGFR, ALK, PD-L1 testing to identify targeted therapy options.

Treatment Options And Surgical Techniques

Management depends on stage and type — surgery for localized disease, chemoradiation for locally advanced cases, and systemic therapy for metastatic disease.

Immunotherapy and targeted drugs have revolutionized advanced cancer treatment.

SurgeryLobectomy, segmentectomy, or pneumonectomy for early-stage tumors.

Systemic therapyChemotherapy, targeted therapy (EGFR, ALK, ROS1 inhibitors) and immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 blockers).

RadiotherapyUsed for local control or palliation in inoperable or metastatic disease.

Recovery, Risks And Prognosis

Prognosis depends on stage, histology, and mutation profile.

Early detection offers curative potential, while advanced stages aim for control and quality of life.

Long-term survival improves with precision oncology and immune therapies.

Why Choose Us

CureU Healthcare provides comprehensive lung cancer care — expert thoracic surgeons, molecular diagnostics, access to advanced targeted drugs, and a multidisciplinary tumor board approach.

Every patient receives a personalized, stage-specific treatment plan.

Conclusion

Lung cancer outcomes have improved significantly with modern targeted and immune therapies.

Early screening, molecular profiling, and expert multidisciplinary care remain the keys to better survival and quality of life.