Thoracic Cancer Programme

Thoracic Cancer Treatment in Delhi

The Thoracic Cancer Programme offers treatment options for both early stage as well as complex cases of Lung Cancer. Specialists at the Centre use state-of-the-art diagnostics like VATS / Mediastinoscopy for timely detection of Cancer. With advanced knowledge about the genetic make-up of tumour types,the expert team at the Centre can provide personalised treatment plan offering greater chances of cure with minimal risks.

The Surgical Oncologist team has specialised experience in handling complex Chest Wall, Mediastinal and Superior Sulcus Tumours, incorporating Radical CT+RT and complex reconstructive approaches, complex Lung Resection, Tracheal Resection, Sleeve Lobectomies, Chest Wall Resection, Mediastinal Tumours and Diaphragm Resection.

What Is Thoracic Cancer?

Thoracic Cancers include Lung Cancers, Lung Carcinoid Tumours, Thymic Malignancies, and Tracheal Tumours.

There are two main types of Thoracic Cancer:

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): one of the most common Lung Cancers;makes upto 80% of all Lung Cancer cases.
Small Cell Lung Cancer: also known as Oat Cell Cancer; makes upto 10-15% of all Lung Cancer cases.

What Are The Indications For Thoracic Cancer?

Signs and symptoms of Thoracic Cancer are:

Lingering or worsening of cough
Coughing up phlegm or blood
Bad chest pain that develops when you breathe deeply, laugh, or cough
Hoarseness of voice
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Weakness and fatigue
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Muscle weakness
Nausea
Vomiting
Fluid retention
High blood pressure
High blood sugar

How is Thoracic Cancer Diagnosed?

Doctors conduct many tests to diagnose cancer and ascertain if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Thoracic Cancer is often diagnosed using the following tests:

Bronchoscopy with or without biopsy
Needle Biopsies
Sputum Cytology
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
PET- CT Scan

What Are The Possible Treatments For Lung Cancer?

Lung Cancer can be managed through various processes which remove or destroy cancer within the lungs and nearby tissues.

Surgical process: A cancer doctor may operate to remove cancerous lung tissue and tissues in the surrounding areas where the cancer may have spread.
1. Robotic-assisted Lung Surgery: Doctor’s use advanced Da Vinci Xi system to treat complex cases of Lung Cancer effectively through various procedures such as:
  1. Lobectomy
  2. Pneumonectomy
  3. Sleeve Lung Resections
  4. Thymectomy
  5. Esophagectomy
  6. Mediastinal Masses Excision
2. VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) include:
  1. Lobectomy
  2. Pneumonectomy
  3. Sleeve Lung Resections
3. Open Surgery: This type of surgical procedure is recommended for patient who is not fit for minimally invasive surgery.
Radiation Therapy: Involves the use of high-energy waves to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Involves the use of Chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer and prevent recurrence
Targeted Therapy: Targets cancer specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival
Immunotherapy: Involves the use of medicines that prompt the body's immune system or natural defences to destroy cancer

A patient might get Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, or Targeted Therapy along with surgery or radiation. This multidisciplinary approach will help in treating the residual cancer cells during other forms of treatment.

What Are The Precautions One Must Take To Avoid Thoracic Cancer?

Stop smoking as soon as possible
Drink lots of water
Maintain a healthy weight
Be physically more active, exercise for at least 30 minutes daily
Eat healthy food and avoid too much alcohol consumption
Avoid use of tobacco

Are There Any Risk Factors Involved?

Some of the major factors that lead to Thoracic Cancer are:

Passive Smoking: 80% of Lung Cancer cases are the result of continuous exposure to smoking
Exposure to radon: A naturally existing radioactive gas
Occupational exposure and pollution: Breathing in hazardous substances such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, some petroleum products, uranium, etc.
Inherited genetic mutations: Family history of Lung Cancer
Exposure to air pollution: Residing in severely polluted area
HIV infection: Been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Radiation Therapy treatment: History of Radiation Therapy to the breast or chest