About Lung Cancer Treatment
Key Highlights
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Curative intent for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques (VATS/Robotic) for less pain and faster recovery.Allows for precise staging and accurate diagnosis via tissue analysis.Aims to completely remove the tumor with clear margins to prevent local recurrence.Often part of a multimodal treatment plan for optimal results.
Who is this surgery for?
- Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC Stage I, II, and select IIIA).
- A tumor that is localized and has not widely metastasized.
- Patient has adequate lung function and overall health to tolerate surgery.
- As a diagnostic procedure when a biopsy is inconclusive.
- For palliative purposes to relieve symptoms like bleeding or obstruction in advanced cases.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation including pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and cardiac assessment.
- Imaging studies like CT scan, PET-CT, and sometimes brain MRI for accurate staging.
- Pre-operative counseling with the surgical and anesthesia teams.
- Smoking cessation is critically important.
- Adjustment or temporary stoppage of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Pulmonary complications: pneumonia, prolonged air leak, respiratory failure.
- Cardiac complications such as arrhythmias.
- Pain at the incision site(s).
- Reduced lung capacity and shortness of breath, especially after pneumonectomy.
- Rare risks: injury to nearby structures, anesthetic complications, recurrence of cancer.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay involves pain management, breathing exercises (spirometry), and early mobilization.
- Drainage tubes (chest tubes) are usually removed before discharge.
- Post-discharge care includes wound care, continued breathing exercises, and gradual increase in activity.
- Follow-up appointments for stitch removal, imaging, and monitoring recovery.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended to improve lung function.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for the advised period.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks for return to light activities; 3-6 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering lung cancer treatment in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform lung cancer treatment. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lung cancer treatment compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for return to light activities; 3-6 months for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for return to light activities; 3-6 months for full recovery | Know More |
Sneha Davis, a 58-year-old former school...
Sneha Davis, a 58-year-old former school librarian and non-smoker, was diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer after a persistent cough and fatigue led to a CT scan. The scan revealed a small, isolated tumor in her right upper lobe. Her surgical oncologist, Dr. Evans, recommended a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy, explaining it was minimally invasive and offered the best chance for a cure given the cancer's early stage. Sneha was terrified of surgery and the word 'cancer,' having lost her sister to a different cancer years prior. The procedure went smoothly, and her hospital stay was only four days. The recovery at home was challenging for the first few weeks due to pain and shortness of breath, but she diligently followed her physiotherapy. Six months later, scans showed no evidence of disease. Emotionally, Sneha moved from a state of shock and profound fear to one of cautious optimism. She now volunteers with a cancer support network, using her experience to comfort others, and feels a deep sense of gratitude for her second chance.
Surgical Oncologists for Lung Cancer Treatment
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform lung cancer treatment and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore