Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lungs begin to grow uncontrollably. Normally, the cells in the body grow, divide and die in an organised manner. However, when changes occur in the DNA of lung cells, they may start multiplying without following the body's normal growth process.

Over time, these abnormal cells can form a tumour. If the tumour is cancerous, it may grow into nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.

The lungs are responsible for taking oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. When cancer develops in the lungs, it can affect normal breathing and overall health.

A Leukemia Specialist in South Mumbai can help patients understand their diagnosis, review investigation reports and determine whether chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a bone marrow transplant may be appropriate.

Lung cancer may develop in people who smoke as well as those who have never smoked. Tobacco use is one of the major risk factors, but exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, workplace chemicals and certain environmental substances can also increase the risk.

Early medical evaluation is important because lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its initial stages. Consulting a lung cancer specialist in Mumbai can help patients understand suspicious findings, undergo appropriate investigations and receive timely medical guidance.

Understanding lung cancer risk factors can help people make informed decisions about their health. Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean that someone will develop cancer. However, certain exposures can increase the chances of developing the disease.

• 1. Smoking and Tobacco Consumption Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for lung cancer. Cigarettes, bidis, cigars and other tobacco products contain harmful chemicals that can damage lung cells over time.
  The risk generally increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the number of years a person has smoked. Quitting smoking can improve overall health and reduce future health risks.
• 2. Passive Smoking: People who do not smoke may still be exposed to harmful chemicals when they regularly inhale smoke from other people's cigarettes or tobacco products.
  Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer. Avoiding smoke-filled environments is an important preventive step.
• 3. Air Pollution: Air pollution is an important environmental health concern, particularly in large cities such as Mumbai. Long-term exposure to polluted air, fine particulate matter and certain airborne substances may increase the risk of lung cancer.
  Vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust and other environmental pollutants can affect respiratory health.
• 4. Workplace Exposure: Certain occupations may expose individuals to substances associated with lung cancer, including asbestos, arsenic, silica, diesel exhaust and other industrial chemicals.
  People working in construction, mining, manufacturing and some industrial environments should follow appropriate workplace safety measures.
• 5. Family History: A family history of lung cancer may contribute to an individual's overall risk. Both inherited genetic factors and shared environmental exposures may play a role.
  However, having a family member with lung cancer does not mean that another family member will definitely develop the disease.
• 6. Previous Radiation Exposure: People who have received radiation therapy to the chest for another cancer may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer later in life. This risk depends on several factors, including previous treatment and individual medical history.

Accurate diagnosis is essential for selecting the right lung cancer treatment. Doctors use different investigations to understand the location of the tumour, its size, the type of cancer and whether it has spread.

• 1. Medical History and Physical Examination: The diagnostic process usually begins with a detailed discussion about the patient's health, symptoms, smoking history, previous medical conditions and family history.
  The doctor may also review occupational exposure, previous treatments and other relevant health information.
  A physical examination helps assess the patient's general condition and identify findings that may require further investigation.
• 2. Chest X-Ray : A chest X-ray may be recommended when a patient has persistent respiratory symptoms or other clinical concerns.
  It can show certain abnormalities in the lungs, such as a suspicious shadow or mass. However, an X-ray alone cannot confirm lung cancer.
  Additional investigations may be required to understand the abnormality more clearly.
• 3. CT Scan of the Chest A CT scan provides detailed images of the lungs and surrounding structures. It can help identify the size, position and appearance of a suspicious lung mass.
  It may also provide information about nearby lymph nodes and other areas that require further assessment.
• 4. PET-CT Scan: A PET-CT scan combines metabolic imaging with detailed anatomical imaging. It can help doctors evaluate areas of increased metabolic activity and assess whether cancer may have spread to other parts of the body.
• 5. Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the nose or mouth into the airways.
  It allows the doctor to examine the air passages and collect tissue samples from suspicious areas when accessible.
• 6. Lung Biopsy:A biopsy is an important investigation used to confirm whether a suspicious growth is cancerous.
  During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is collected and examined under a microscope. Depending on the tumour's location, the sample may be obtained through bronchoscopy, a needle biopsy or another appropriate procedure.
  The biopsy report helps identify the cancer type and provides information needed for further testing.
• 7. Molecular and Biomarker Testing:A biopsy is an important investigation used to confirm whether a suspicious growth is cancerous.
  During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is collected and examined under a microscope. Depending on the tumour's location, the sample may be obtained through bronchoscopy, a needle biopsy or another appropriate procedure.
  The biopsy report helps identify the cancer type and provides information needed for further testing.

Lung cancer treatment has improved significantly with advances in medical research, diagnostic technology and cancer medicines.

Today, patients may have access to several treatment options. The most suitable approach depends on the type of lung cancer, its stage, molecular profile, previous treatment and overall health.

When considering lung cancer treatment in Mumbai, patients should seek a treatment plan that is based on accurate diagnosis and individual medical requirements.

• 1. Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer: Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or stop them from multiplying.
  It may be recommended in different situations, including:
  • Before surgery to reduce the size of a tumour in selected patients.
  • Advanced or metastatic lung cancer
  • Along with radiation therapy for certain locally advanced cancers.
  • As a primary treatment for some advanced lung cancers.
  • In combination with immunotherapy in selected cases.

  Chemotherapy is generally given in cycles, allowing the body time to recover between treatments.

  Possible side effects include nausea, tiredness, hair loss, changes in appetite and a reduced blood cell count. Not every patient experiences the same side effects, and supportive medicines can help manage many treatment-related problems.

• 2. Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer: Targeted therapy is an important advancement in modern lung cancer care.
  Some lung cancer cells contain specific genetic changes that help them grow and survive. Targeted medicines are designed to act on these changes and interfere with cancer cell growth.
  For example, patients with certain EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or other actionable alterations may be considered for specific targeted medicines. Before recommending this treatment, doctors review the molecular testing report to determine whether an appropriate target is present.
  Targeted therapy may be given as tablets or other medicines depending on the specific drug. Patients require regular monitoring to evaluate treatment response and manage possible side effects.
• 3. Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer:Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body's immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
  Cancer cells can sometimes avoid being detected by the immune system. Certain immunotherapy medicines work by blocking the signals that allow cancer cells to hide from immune activity.
  Immunotherapy may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of lung cancer and relevant biomarker results.
  PD-L1 testing may help doctors determine whether certain immunotherapy options are appropriate.
  Immunotherapy is not suitable for every patient. It can also cause immune-related side effects affecting organs such as the lungs, liver, thyroid and intestines. Regular medical monitoring is therefore important.
• 4. Radiation Therapy:Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells and control tumour growth.
  It may be recommended for patients who cannot undergo surgery, patients with locally advanced disease or those who require treatment for specific symptoms.
  In selected early-stage lung cancers, a specialised technique called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may be considered.
  Radiation therapy can also help relieve symptoms caused by cancer spread, depending on the patient's condition.
• 5. Surgery for Lung Cancer :Surgery may be considered when lung cancer is detected at an early stage and the tumour can be safely removed.
  Depending on the location and size of the tumour, different surgical procedures may be performed.
  These include:
  • Wedge resection: Removal of a small section of lung tissue.
  • Segmentectomy: Removal of a specific segment of the lung.
  • Lobectomy: Removal of an entire lobe of the lung.
  • Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung in selected cases.

  The suitability of surgery depends on the cancer stage, lung function, general health and other medical factors. A thoracic surgeon evaluates the surgical approach, while the medical oncologist helps plan systemic treatment when needed.

• 6. Palliative and Supportive Care:Supportive care is an important part of lung cancer management. It focuses on improving comfort and helping patients manage symptoms throughout their treatment journey.
  It may include pain management, breathing support, nutritional guidance, psychological support and management of treatment-related side effects.
  Palliative care can be provided alongside active cancer treatment. It does not mean that cancer treatment has stopped or that the patient has no further options.
  The goal is to support the patient's physical, emotional and overall well-being.

Yes. Lung cancer can also develop in people who have never smoked.

Although smoking is a major risk factor, it is not the only cause of the disease. Non-smokers may develop lung cancer because of long-term exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, radon, workplace chemicals or other environmental factors.

Some non-smoking patients may have lung cancers associated with specific genetic changes.

This is one reason why molecular testing is important in appropriate patients.

People should not assume that lung cancer only affects smokers. Persistent respiratory symptoms and unexplained changes in health deserve medical attention, regardless of smoking history.