If you know someone who is suffering from lung cancer, then the first question on your mind will be, is lung cancer curable? Though the majority of cases are detected in stage 4, treatments have evolved during the last decade. A decade back it was impossible to treat the majority of the patients who used to succumb in 6 months but due to advancements in science, we can now detect subgroups in this population who require different treatments. Now we are seeing a 5-year survival in lung cancer stage 4 which was not heard of before.

Detecting Lung Cancer

For diagnosing cancer, the lung cancer team will use tests and tools specifically designed to diagnose lung cancer, evaluate it and to develop an individualized treatment plan. Some methods of diagnosing lung cancer are X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound and nuclear tests. They can be used by the best lung cancer doctor in India to detect lung cancer, determine whether and how far it has spread, check whether the treatment is working and look for signs of recurrence.

X-ray
A chest X-ray uses high-energy electromagnetic radiation to provide images of the lungs and its surrounding tissues. They can also detect abnormalities like shaded areas which can be evaluated further to determine if it is a tumour.

Computed Tomography(CT Scan)
While an X-ray provides images of the lungs, a CT scan goes one step further and reveals the anatomy of the lungs which doctors use to diagnose and monitor tumour growth.

A CT scan takes X-rays from different angles and then processes them using a computer to provide the best lung cancer doctor in India with cross-sectional views of the tissues. It can reveal a lot about a tumour like its size, shape and position as well as how far it has spread to your lymph nodes, adrenal glands, liver and other organs. If there are neurological symptoms, A CT scan may be done to check for signs of metastasis. In addition, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, your radiologist will perform a CT angiogram to check for blood clots and other blockages on the lungs

MRI Scans
Using radio waves and strong magnets, an MRI scan is used by the best lung cancer doctor in India to look for signs of lung cancer spread to the brain or spinal cord.

PET Scan
A PET scan is an advanced nuclear imaging technique. It combines CT scan technology with positron emission tomography into a single machine. It can show the structure and function of cells and tissues in the body in a single imaging session. While diagnosing lung cancer, it provides a comprehensive view of the chest area to check for presence of abnormal activity even before a tumour develops.

This technology enables the best lung cancer doctor in India to know the boundary between healthy lung tissue and a tumor. It also reveals cancerous cells before they cause structural changes. This helps to pinpoint the location of the tumor so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Lung Cancer Treatment

Once the doctor has determined that you have lung cancer, they will suggest one of the following treatments which might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials, palliative care and alternative lung cancer therapies.

It is important to know that every treatment option has risks and side effects which can be managed but you should consider all the different options while considering lung cancer treatment options.

Dr. Suresh Advani is the best lung cancer doctor in India. He has more than 5 decades of experience in the field of cancer treatment and medical oncology. Due to his selfless service in this field, he has been awarded the padma bhushan and padma shri. He has been the chief of medical oncology in TATA Hospital for 30 years. During treatments, he uses the latest advanced treatments and medicines.