Lung Cancer

1. What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. The two major categories are:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Treatment planning depends on the cancer type, stage, molecular characteristics and the patient's overall health.

2. What Symptoms May Occur?

Possible symptoms include:

• Persistent or worsening cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue
• Recurrent chest infections
• Hoarseness

Some patients may have no symptoms during the early stages.

3. How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed and Staged?

Evaluation may include:

• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• PET-CT scan
• Bronchoscopy
• Biopsy and pathology examination
• Brain imaging when required
• Molecular and biomarker testing
• Pulmonary-function testing

Accurate staging helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

4. What Does the Treatment Process Involve?

The general treatment process includes:

Oncology consultation → Pathology confirmation → Imaging and staging → Molecular/biomarker testing → Multidisciplinary treatment planning → Personalised treatment → Response monitoring → Follow-up

The treatment plan is tailored to the patient's cancer type and stage.

5. What Treatment Options Are Available?

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Surgery for suitable localised cancers
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy for cancers with suitable molecular alterations
• Immunotherapy for eligible patients
• Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Palliative and supportive care

A multidisciplinary cancer team determines the most appropriate approach.

6. What Types of Lung Cancer Surgery Are Performed?

When surgery is appropriate, procedures may include:

• Lobectomy – removal of a lobe of the lung
• Segmentectomy – removal of part of a lung lobe
• Pneumonectomy – removal of an entire lung in selected cases
• Minimally invasive thoracoscopic or robotic surgery in suitable patients

The surgical approach depends on tumour location, stage and lung function.

7. How Long Does Treatment Take?

Treatment duration varies considerably:

• Surgery: hospital recovery commonly takes several days, followed by further recovery at home
• Radiation therapy: commonly delivered over multiple sessions depending on the treatment plan
• Chemotherapy: usually given in cycles over several months
• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy: duration depends on treatment response and the specific treatment plan

Regular scans and consultations are used to monitor response.

8. What Are the Expected Benefits and Outcomes?

Treatment may help:

• Remove or control the cancer
• Reduce tumour size
• Reduce cancer-related symptoms
• Improve quality of life
• Prolong survival

Outcomes vary significantly according to the type, stage, molecular profile and response to treatment.

9. What Are the Risks or Considerations?

Risks and side effects depend on the treatment used and may include:

• Surgical complications
• Infection
• Reduced lung function after surgery
• Fatigue
• Nausea and other chemotherapy-related effects
• Radiation-related inflammation or tissue effects
• Immune-related side effects from immunotherapy
• Drug-specific side effects from targeted therapy

The oncology team monitors patients closely and manages treatment-related complications.

10. How Can Medavelle Help and What Should the Patient Do Next?

Medavelle can assist with:

Medical-record review → Oncology specialist coordination → Hospital selection → Multidisciplinary evaluation → Treatment planning → Cost estimation → International patient arrangements.

Next step: Share biopsy/pathology & imaging reports → Oncology evaluation → Cancer staging and molecular testing → Personalised treatment plan → Treatment → Response monitoring and follow-up.