About Thoracic Cancer
Key Highlights
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Central role in a multidisciplinary team for comprehensive lung cancer care.Expertise in minimally invasive diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy and EBUS for accurate staging.Access to advanced molecular and genetic profiling of tumor tissue to guide personalized therapy.Management of cancer-related respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) to improve quality of life.Coordination of care between medical oncology, radiation oncology, and thoracic surgery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
- Abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan findings suggestive of a lung mass or nodule.
- Presence of risk factors (e.g., long-term smoking history, family history, exposure to asbestos/radon) with concerning symptoms.
- To obtain a tissue biopsy for diagnosis and molecular testing of a suspected thoracic tumor.
- For staging of known lung cancer to determine the extent of disease spread.
- Management of malignant pleural effusions (fluid buildup due to cancer).
How to prepare
- Complete review of medical history, imaging (CT/PET scans), and any prior biopsies.
- Pre-procedure blood tests and pulmonary function tests to assess fitness.
- Discussion of the planned diagnostic procedure (e.g., bronchoscopy), including its benefits and risks.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before a scheduled procedure requiring sedation.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
- Arranging for a companion to drive the patient home after procedures involving sedation.
Risks & possible complications
- Procedure-specific risks: Bleeding, infection, or pneumothorax (collapsed lung) from biopsies.
- Reactions to sedation or anesthesia used during diagnostic procedures.
- General risks of cancer treatment: Side effects from chemotherapy/immunotherapy (fatigue, nausea), radiation pneumonitis, or surgical complications if surgery is part of the plan.
- Disease progression or recurrence despite treatment.
- Emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment journey.
Recovery & hospital stay
- After diagnostic procedures: Brief observation for complications; rest for 24 hours; avoid driving if sedated.
- Management of post-procedure sore throat or cough following bronchoscopy.
- Active treatment phase (chemotherapy/radiation): Close monitoring for side effects; managing symptoms with supportive medications; maintaining nutrition and hydration.
- Regular follow-up appointments for imaging (CT scans) and assessments to monitor treatment response.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended to improve lung strength and endurance.
- Access to supportive care services, including pain management, nutritional counseling, and psychological support.
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Typical hospital stay: Varies widely (0 days for outpatient biopsy to 5-10+ days for major surgery)
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Expected recovery time: Varies by treatment (Weeks for chemotherapy cycles to several months after major surgery)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering thoracic cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for thoracic cancer in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform thoracic cancer. MediFyr helps you compare pulmonologists 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 thoracic cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 1.5 Million | Varies widely (0 days for outpatient biopsy to 5-10+ days for major surgery) | ~ Varies by treatment (Weeks for chemotherapy cycles to several months after major surgery) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 5.25 Million | Varies widely (0 days for outpatient biopsy to 5-10+ days for major surgery) | ~ Varies by treatment (Weeks for chemotherapy cycles to several months after major surgery) | Know More |
Top hospitals for Thoracic Cancer in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing thoracic cancer.
Neha Bhatia, a 58-year-old former school...
Neha Bhatia, a 58-year-old former school principal and lifelong non-smoker, had always been active and health-conscious. For months, she dismissed a persistent, dry cough as lingering allergies or post-viral irritation. When she began feeling a dull ache in her upper back and noticed she was getting winded climbing the stairs to her apartment, her daughter insisted she see a doctor. A chest X-ray revealed a concerning shadow. A subsequent CT scan and biopsy, guided by her pulmonologist, Dr. Mehta, confirmed a diagnosis of early-stage adenocarcinoma in her right lung. Dr. Mehta explained that due to the tumor's location and size, a robotic-assisted lobectomy (surgical removal of the affected lung lobe) offered the best chance for a cure. Neha was terrified, grappling with the unfairness of the diagnosis and fear of major surgery. The procedure went smoothly, though the immediate recovery in the hospital was painful and exhausting. With diligent physiotherapy and support from her family, Neha gradually regained her strength and lung capacity. Six months later, follow-up scans show no evidence of cancer. Her emotional journey moved from shock and fear to profound gratitude and a redefined purpose. She now volunteers with a cancer support network, using her experience to guide others, and cherishes each day with a renewed intensity.
Pulmonologists for Thoracic Cancer
Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform thoracic cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 23 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 24 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 35 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 29 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 26 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 7 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 6 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 4 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada