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Right from diagnosis to treatment and post-treatment follow-ups, the journey with lung cancer can be overwhelming. Everybody wishes to get treated by the best doctor for lung cancer in India. While it can be daunting to find the top lung cancer doctors in India and in your area, LivLong has simplified this task for you! Here, you can find a list of top lung cancer doctors from which you can choose the best option for you. Also, if you or your loved ones are suffering from any kind of discomfort in the lungs, it is best advised to consult a specialist for the lungs right away!
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer, as its name implies, is a type of cancer that impacts the lungs. This type of cancer can be mainly of two types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Lung cancer has the potential to grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Lung cancer usually does not show any signs and symptoms in the early stages, thus making it difficult to diagnose in its initial stages. Some of the primary symptoms it exhibits include:
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood with sputum
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hoarseness of voice
- Pain in chest
- Bone pain
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
Who treats lung cancer?
Patients with lung cancer are treated by a team of healthcare providers who specialise in thoracic region cancer. Most patients begin with their primary healthcare provider, where they might report symptoms such as chest discomfort, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or bloody cough, prompting their doctor to order particular imaging tests. If the tests turn up abnormal, the doctor would then refer the individual to a pulmonologist for further assessment.
What exactly does a pulmonologist do?
A pulmonologist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer. They can help with lung biopsies in order to determine whether cancerous cells are present and the stage of the cancer for the purpose of determining treatment options. A pulmonologist also assists patients who are experiencing respiratory problems as a result of lung cancer.
Lung cancer treatment can be complex and difficult, requiring a multidisciplinary team of doctors to deliver the best possible care. Lung cancer specialists bring a distinct set of skillsets to the table, enabling a comprehensive and individualised approach to the treatment of lung cancer. Throughout the treatment, lung cancer patients collaborate with a range of other medical specialists, including:
- Medical oncologists: These specialists determine and administer the appropriate chemotherapy.
- Radiation oncologists: These medical experts create radiotherapy plans with the goal of targeting tumour cells whilst also preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
- Thoracic surgeons: These surgeons remove chest tumours surgically by using traditional or minimally invasive techniques, including and/or robot-assisted techniques as needed.
- Pathologists: These doctors examine the tissues, blood, or fluid to aid in the detection and treatment of lung cancer.
- Radiologists: These practitioners interpret various imaging studies such as CT scans, chest X-rays, PET scans, and MRIs.
In addition to these specialised doctors, patients with lung cancer may also work with nursing professionals, social workers, and nutrition experts. These professionals play an important role in the treatment of lung cancer patients, offering education, support, and guidance throughout the treatment process.
Factors to consider when selecting a lung cancer specialist
Patients may want to consider the following aspects when selecting a lung specialist:
- The doctor’s experience and expertise in treating lung cancer
- The doctor’s communication style (how comfortable you are communicating with them)
- Their availability and accessibility
- The overall quality of care provided by their practice or hospital
How to get ready for your appointment?
No matter which physician you see, planning ahead of time can assist you in making the most of the time. Take note of all your signs and symptoms, even if you are unsure whether they are related to your condition.
Before your appointment, ask the physician for any special instructions, including fasting for a blood test. Request a relative or friend, if possible, to accompany you to help you recall the specifics of your visit.
You should also prepare a list of questions you might have, such as:
- Are there multiple types of lung cancer? What type do I have?
- What additional tests will I require?
- What stage of cancer do I have?
- Could you show and explain my X-ray reports to me?
- What therapeutic options are there for me? What are the treatments’ side effects?
- What is the cost of treatment?
- What would you say to a friend or family member in my situation?
How to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer?
A person’s risk of lung cancer can be reduced in the following ways:
- Smoking cessation: The primary risk factor for lung cancer is cigarette smoking. As a result, it is the most critical measure for avoiding lung cancer.
- Avoid inhaling secondhand or passive smoke: Second-hand smoking refers to inhaling smoke from other people’s pipes or cigarettes. To reduce your risk of lung cancer, keep your environment smoke-free.
- Consider checking your home for radon.
- Be cautious at work: Following workplace health and safety policies can assist employees in avoiding carcinogens (substances that can cause cancer).
Takeaway
Lung cancer doctors are highly trained specialists who play an important role in lung cancer treatment. To help manage lung tumours and improve lung health, these doctors use a variety of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy for lung cancer. They collaborate with patients to develop personalised treatment plans and track their progress in order to achieve the best possible results.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lung cancer, it is critical to seek the care of a specialist for lungs, such as a lung cancer doctor, to have the best chance of a lung cancer cure and improved lung health.
Doctors for Lung cancer FAQs:
Who is the best doctor for lung cancer?
Lung cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary team of a pulmonologist, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a thoracic surgeon. This team of the best doctors helps create an effective treatment plan to help lung cancer patients.
Which lung cancer is inoperable?
There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. While the majority of non-small-cell lung cancers are treatable by surgery depending on the stage and location of the cancer, small-cell lung cancers are aggressive and spread quickly to other organs of the body unless they are detected early. Therefore, this cancer is usually not treated surgically (is inoperable) and responds to other treatment options, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
What hospital is best for lung cancer?
It is essential to keep in mind that the quality of care can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the patient's specific requirements and cancer stage. There are several factors to consider when selecting a hospital for lung cancer treatment. A few of the most key considerations are:
• Medical team’s expertise
• Available treatment options
• Available advanced technology
• Reputation and accreditation of the hospital
• Location and accessibility
• Costs and insurance coverage
It is essential to undertake your research and seek advice from a qualified medical professional to determine the best options for treatment and hospital for your specific case.
Where is the best place to go for lung cancer?
Several hospitals and medical centres in India are well-known for providing high-quality care to lung cancer patients. When looking for the best place in India for lung cancer treatment, consider the hospital's expertise, the qualifications of the medical team, the availability of cutting-edge technology, and access to clinical trials. In general, the best place for lung cancer treatment in India will depend on the specific needs and location of the individual patient.
What are the main causes of lung cancer?
Cigarette smoke, tobacco use, and excessive consumption of alcohol are the leading causes of lung tumours worldwide, which makes it the most prevalent cancer that is fatal. Apart from these, passive smoking and genetics can also cause lung cancer.
