OVERVIEWThoracic oncology is a medical speciality that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancers of the chest region. Lung cancer is the most common type of thoracic cancer, and it accounts for around 85% of thoracic cancers. Other types of thoracic cancer include tracheal cancer, pleural mesothelioma, thymoma, and mediastinal tumours. Thoracic cancers can be treated and managed successfully, and early detection is the key to improving the prognosis for these cancers.
At HCG, we have a robust team of thoracic oncology specialists who are highly skilled and vastly experienced in managing thoracic cancers, achieving better quality clinical outcomes, and helping patients see a prompt recovery.
Types
Lung cancer
forms when the cells present in the lungs start dividing abnormally and form a tumour.
Mesothelioma
refers to the tumours that form in the outer lining of the lungs (pleura).
Thymoma or thymic cancer
refers to the tumour growth in the thymus gland.
Tracheal cancer
occurs when the cells present in the trachea (food pipe) divide uncontrollably and form a tumour.
Management of Thoracic Cancers
As a leading cancer hospital in India, we understand the complexity of thoracic cancer. Our multidisciplinary approach and personalised treatment plans ensure every patient gets the best possible care. Our experienced specialists work together to create tailored treatment plans based on the patient's unique needs, medical history, and cancer stage. With this approach, we provide high-quality care and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Diagnosis of Thoracic Cancers
To diagnose thoracic cancer, doctors perform physical examinations, take medical histories, and use various tests. Commonly recommended tests by oncologists include:
Lab Tests:
To check for the presence of specific markers that indicate thoracic cancers.
Endoscopy:
To examine the thoracic cavity for tumours using an endoscope that carries a camera and light source.
Imaging Tests:
To determine tumour size, shape, and location for treatment planning using chest X-ray, MRI, PET, and CT scans.
Sputum Analysis:
To analyse mucus or phlegm for the presence of cancerous cells.
Biopsy:
To examine the tissue sample from the suspected area for cancer cells.
Treatment for Thoracic Cancers
Upon arriving at a definitive cancer diagnosis, our thoracic cancer specialists will develop a treatment plan. Our specialists will consider multiple factors, like the type of cancer, its stage, its exact location, the patient’s age, their overall health status, and other factors before working on a comprehensive treatment plan. The following are the treatment options available for thoracic cancers:
Surgery is one of the main lines of treatment for thoracic cancers. Surgery focuses on removing the tumour and a small portion of the healthy tissues that surround it. Thoracic oncology specialists may recommend open or minimally invasive surgery (video-assisted thoracic surgery or robotic surgery) for thoracic cancer treatment.
Depending on the stage, type, and location of the tumour, the following surgical procedures recommended for thoracic cancer include:
Tumour Resection:
Removal of the tumour and some surrounding tissue.
Lobectomy:
Removal of a lobe of the lung affected by cancer.
Segmentectomy:
Removal of the cancer-affected part of a lung lobe.
Pneumonectomy:
Removal of the entire lung that is affected by cancer.
Pleurodesis:
Sealing of the pleural space to prevent fluid build-up.
Pleurectomy and Decortication:
Removal of the lining of the lung and any tumours or other abnormal tissue.
Thymectomy:
Removal of the thymus gland.
Radiation therapy is another commonly recommended treatment for thoracic cancers. Radiation therapy uses powerful radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. Today, with the help of advanced radiotherapy platforms, we can precisely target cancer cells, reduce damage to nearby healthy tissues, and thereby improve the quality of life for patients.
Systemic therapies aim to kill cancer cells throughout the body using drugs and biomolecules. The following are the systemic therapies recommended for thoracic cancers:
Chemotherapy:
Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells and may be given before or after surgery or to alleviate symptoms in advanced stages.
Immunotherapy:
Harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer by stimulating the body's natural defences.
Targeted Therapy:
Uses drugs or other substances to specifically target cancer cells, often by blocking specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer.
