Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
The most common group of lung cancers. It includes several subtypes, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.
Thoracic Oncology
Lung Cancer: Treatment, Symptoms, Causes & Stages
Specialised lung cancer care combining thoracic surgical expertise, accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment planning.
Overview
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. Lung cancers are broadly divided into two major groups: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The type of lung cancer, its stage, molecular characteristics and the patient’s overall health help determine the treatment plan.
Lung cancer can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages, and treatment varies significantly depending on the type and stage of the disease. At SSO Hospitals, our thoracic oncology specialists evaluate each patient’s diagnosis, imaging, pathology and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Depending on the individual case, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of these approaches.
How It Starts:
- Abnormal Cell Changes: Changes in the DNA of lung cells can cause them to grow and divide abnormally.
- Tumour Formation: Abnormal cells may multiply and form a tumour within the lung.
- Local Growth: The tumour may grow within the lung and can involve nearby tissues or structures.
- Lymph Node Involvement: Cancer cells can spread to lymph nodes within the chest or nearby regions.
- Distant Spread: In advanced disease, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, resulting in metastatic lung cancer.
Symptoms
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Lung cancer symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the tumour and whether the disease has spread. Early lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is one reason appropriate evaluation of persistent respiratory symptoms is important.
Clinical picture
Stages, types and how we diagnose
Lung Cancer Stages Lung cancer staging describes how far the cancer has grown and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. The staging system depends on the type of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is generally described using Stage I through Stage IV, while small cell lung cancer is often described using limited-stage and extensive-stage categories.
IStage
Stage I
The cancer is confined to the lung and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
IIStage
Stage II
The cancer remains within the lung region but may be larger and/or involve nearby lymph nodes or structures, depending on the specific tumour.
IIIStage
Stage III
The cancer is locally or regionally advanced and may involve lymph nodes or structures in the chest.
IVStage
Stage IV
The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body or involves extensive disease within the chest.
Staging is based on clinical examination, imaging, biopsy and other investigations. For NSCLC, doctors assess the primary tumour, lymph nodes and distant metastases using the TNM system. Your specialist will explain the stage and what it means for your treatment plan.
Lung cancer is broadly divided into two major types. Identifying the exact type through pathology is important because treatment differs between different lung cancers.
Adenocarcinoma
A common form of NSCLC that can occur in smokers and people who have never smoked. It often develops in areas towards the outer parts of the lung.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A type of NSCLC that often begins in cells lining the airways and has a strong association with tobacco exposure.
Large Cell Carcinoma
A less common NSCLC subtype characterised by large-appearing cancer cells and potentially rapid growth.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
A less common but typically faster-growing lung cancer that often requires systemic treatment and has a different treatment approach from NSCLC.
Other Rare Lung Tumours
Rare primary tumours can also arise in the lungs. Accurate pathology is important to distinguish these cancers and determine appropriate treatment.
Lung cancer diagnosis generally combines imaging, tissue sampling and clinical assessment. The exact tests depend on the suspected tumour, its location and the patient's symptoms. Once cancer is confirmed, additional testing may be performed to determine the stage and identify molecular or biomarker characteristics that can influence treatment.
Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray may identify an abnormal area in the lung, although further testing is usually required to determine its cause.
CT Scan
A CT scan provides more detailed images of the lungs and chest and can help assess the size and location of a suspected tumour.
Bronchoscopy
A thin, flexible instrument may be passed through the airways to examine the lungs and obtain tissue or fluid samples when appropriate.
Biopsy
A sample of tissue is examined by a pathologist to determine whether cancer is present and identify its type.
PET-CT
PET-CT may be used for staging and to look for areas of metabolically active disease elsewhere in the body.
Brain Imaging
MRI or another form of brain imaging may be recommended in selected patients as part of staging.
Pulmonary Assessment
Lung function testing may be required, particularly when surgery is being considered, to assess whether the patient can safely tolerate removal of part or all of a lung.
Molecular & Biomarker Testing
Selected non-small cell lung cancers may be tested for molecular alterations and biomarkers that can influence the choice of targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Not every patient requires every test. The diagnostic pathway depends on the location and appearance of the tumour, suspected cancer type, stage and overall clinical condition.
Risk & treatment
Smoking: Tobacco smoking is the most important established risk factor for lung cancer.
Second-Hand Smoke
Regular exposure to tobacco smoke from others can also increase lung cancer risk.
Occupational Exposures
Exposure to substances such as asbestos and certain industrial chemicals can increase risk.
Radon Exposure
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can increase lung cancer risk with prolonged exposure.
Air Pollution
Long-term exposure to certain forms of outdoor air pollution is associated with increased lung cancer risk.
Previous Chest Radiation
Radiation therapy involving the chest can increase the risk of developing a future lung cancer in some patients.
Family History
A family history of lung cancer may be associated with increased risk, although most people who develop lung cancer do not have a strong family history.
Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, operability, molecular or biomarker findings, lung function, overall health and other individual factors. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or combinations of these approaches.
Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung Cancer Surgery
Surgery may be considered for selected patients, particularly when the cancer is localised or can be removed as part of a broader treatment plan. Depending on the tumour and the amount of lung involved, surgery may include a wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Lymph-node assessment is often performed as part of lung cancer surgery.
Minimally Invasive Lung Cancer Surgery
For appropriately selected patients, lung surgery may be performed using minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). These approaches use smaller incisions than conventional open surgery, although suitability depends on the tumour, anatomy, stage and procedure required.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be used as a primary treatment for selected early-stage lung cancers, after surgery in certain situations, alongside other treatments for locally advanced disease, or to relieve symptoms caused by advanced cancer. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may be considered for selected patients with early-stage disease who require a highly focused radiation approach.
Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Systemic therapy plays an important role in many lung cancers. Chemotherapy may be used alone or alongside other treatments. For selected NSCLC patients, molecular testing can identify alterations that may make targeted therapies appropriate. Immunotherapy may also be considered for certain patients based on tumour characteristics and the clinical setting. Treatment selection differs between NSCLC and SCLC.
The sequence of treatment is individualised. Some patients may receive treatment before surgery, while others may require surgery first or primarily non-surgical treatment. Your specialist will recommend an approach based on the complete clinical picture.
Why SSO?
Why Choose SSO Hospitals for Lung Cancer Treatment?
Lung cancer treatment requires careful assessment of both the cancer and the patient's ability to tolerate treatment. At SSO Hospitals, our thoracic oncology approach brings specialist surgical expertise together with multidisciplinary cancer care.
- Thoracic Oncology Expertise: Our specialists focus on cancers and surgical conditions involving the lungs and chest.
- Individualised Treatment Planning: Treatment recommendations consider cancer type, stage, operability, lung function, molecular findings and overall health.
- Advanced Surgical Approaches: Selected patients may be considered for minimally invasive approaches such as VATS as well as other appropriate lung cancer procedures.
- Multidisciplinary Cancer Care: Surgical oncology can be coordinated with medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology and other specialists when required.
- Biomarker-Aware Treatment Planning: For appropriate patients, molecular and biomarker information can help guide systemic treatment decisions.
- Continuity of Care: Our team supports patients through consultation, treatment planning, surgery or other therapy, recovery and follow-up.
Our specialists
Consult Our Lung Cancer Specialists
Connect with our thoracic oncology specialists for evaluation, treatment planning and surgical opinions for lung cancer and other conditions affecting the chest.
21+ YrsDr. Sanket Mehta
Gastrointestinal Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital Ghatkopar West, Charni Road & SRCC
35+ YrsDr. Kamran A. Khan
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · GI & Colorectal Cancer · Robotic Oncologic Surgery · Organ-Preserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Gynaecological Oncology
Saifee Hospital · SSO Cancer Hospital Charni Road
35+ Yrs
25+ YrsDr. Chetan Anchan
Bone Tumours · Soft Tissue Tumours · Sarcoma Surgery · Musculoskeletal Oncology · Skeletal Metastases
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
21+ Yrs
20+ YrsDr. Nilesh Chordiya
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer Surgery · Gynaecological Cancer Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
18+ YrsDr. Kant Shah
Paediatric Cancer Surgery · Paediatric Robotic Surgery · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery · Paediatric Hepatobiliary Surgery · Paediatric Urology · Minimally Invasive Paediatric Surgery
SRCC, Mumbai
16+ YrsDr. Jay Anam
Breast Cancer · Breast Cancer Surgery · Breast Conservation Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
16+ YrsDr. Praveen Kammar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer · Gynaecological Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Robotic & Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West & Ghatkopar West
14+ YrsDr. Shrikant Atluri
Uro-Oncology · Robotic Urologic Surgery · Kidney Cancer · Bladder Cancer · Prostate Cancer · Genitourinary Cancers
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Amit Chakraborty
Head & Neck Cancer · Oral Cancer · Tongue Cancer · Laryngeal Cancer · Thyroid Cancer · Salivary Gland Cancer
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Niharika Garach
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
13+ YrsDr. Vivek Sukumar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Minimally Invasive GI & Colorectal Oncology
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi
10+ YrsDr. Jitesh Rajpurohit
Thoracic Oncology · Lung Cancer · Oesophageal Cancer · Mediastinal Tumours · Chest Wall Tumours · VATS Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
9+ YrsDr. Kaival K. Gundavda
GI Oncology · HPB Oncology · Liver Cancer · Pancreatic Cancer · Biliary Cancers · Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West · Ghatkopar West · Charni Road
8+ YrsDr. Veeresh Kumar Ireddy
Robotic Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery · GI & HPB Oncology · Breast Oncology · Thoracic Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
8+ Yrs
7+ YrsDr. Shirish Patil
Head & Neck Oncology · Skull Base Surgery · Organ-Preserving Cancer Surgery · Microvascular Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
7+ YrsDr. Deep Gala
Blood Disorders · Blood Cancers · Leukemia · Lymphoma · Multiple Myeloma · Bone Marrow Transplantation · Cellular Therapy · Immunotherapy
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri West · Borivali · SRCC
7+ Yrs
6+ YrsDr. Imaan Rumani
Breast Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Breast-Conserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Surgery · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · HIPEC · S-LYMPHA
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
6+ Yrs
5+ YrsDr. Anuj Suketu Shah
Gastrointestinal Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies · HPB Surgery · Minimally Invasive Oncology · CRS · HIPEC · PIPAC
EPIC Hospital, Ahmedabad
4+ Yrs
4+ YrsDr. Vijay Tiwari
Head & Neck Oncology · Oral Cancer Surgery · Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery · Laryngeal & Pharyngeal Cancer Surgery · Reconstructive Oncology · Maxillofacial & Craniofacial Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
4+ YrsDr. Krishnanunni Nair
Oral Cancer Surgery · Head & Neck Surgical Oncology · Jaw Tumour Surgery · Salivary Gland Tumour Surgery · Maxillofacial Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi & White Lotus International Hospital, Navi Mumbai
3+ YrsDr. Sayed Aafreen Jamal Nasir
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancers · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri · Borivali
Early lung cancer may cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, breathlessness, recurrent chest infections, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or persistent hoarseness. These symptoms can have many causes, so persistent symptoms should be medically evaluated.
Evaluation may include a chest X-ray, CT scan, bronchoscopy, biopsy and PET-CT. Additional investigations such as brain imaging, lung-function testing and molecular or biomarker testing may be recommended depending on the suspected cancer and treatment plan.
Yes. Not every lung cancer requires surgery. Depending on the type and stage, treatment may involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination. Surgery is considered when it is appropriate for the individual patient's disease and overall condition.
VATS, or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive technique in which a surgeon uses a camera and specialised instruments through small chest incisions. It can be used for selected lung procedures, depending on the tumour, anatomy and surgical requirements.
Yes. Although smoking is the most important established risk factor, lung cancer can occur in people who have never smoked. Other factors, including second-hand smoke, radon, occupational exposures, air pollution, previous chest radiation and genetic factors, may contribute to risk.
NSCLC is generally staged from Stage I to Stage IV according to the size and extent of the primary tumour, lymph-node involvement and distant spread. SCLC is commonly classified as limited-stage or extensive-stage disease. The exact staging process depends on the cancer type.
Lung cancer surgery can be performed safely in appropriately selected patients after assessment of the tumour, overall health and lung function. The risks and expected benefits vary depending on the procedure and individual circumstances. Your thoracic surgeon will discuss these with you before surgery.
Stage IV lung cancer is generally managed with systemic treatments such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy, depending on the cancer type and molecular characteristics. Radiation or surgery may have a role in selected situations, including symptom control or specific sites of disease.
Google reviews
What our patients say about us
Unedited words from patients and families, straight from our review pages.
4.8800+ Google reviews
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
Care, close to home
Nine centres across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Belagavi. Pick what's closest and we'll match you to the right surgeon there.
SSO Ghatkopar
HospitalSilver Point, 7th Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology Hospital and Research Centre, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Maneklal Estate, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
089768 97203
SSO Thane
HospitalFirst Floor, Surgical Speciality Oncology Hospital, Highland Sky Arcade, Shop F, 11A and F-12, Naupada, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400602
089768 97203
SSO Hospital Andheri
Hospital2nd Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology, New Link Rd, above Bellevue Hospital, next to Audi Showroom, Sahakar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
089768 97201
SSO Chembur
Clinic6th floor, Business Point, Ramakrishna Chemburkar Marg, near Savla Hospital, Chembur Gaothan, Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
089768 97201
SSO Vashi
ClinicNo. 51, Shanti Center Building, 4th floor, Clinic, above Parichay Hotel, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
082688 80185
SSO Charni Road
Clinic9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 9 B, Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
089768 97201
SRCC
HospitalNh Srcc Children's Hospital, 1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
089768 97201
Belagavi
Hospital9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgavi, Karnataka 590016
8976897201
Ahmedabad
Hospitalopp. Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Auditorium Hall, behind Rajpath Rangoli Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054, India
089768 97201
