Thoracic Oncologist in Mumbai

    Thoracic Oncologist in Mumbai

Thoracic cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the organs or structures within the thoracic cavity including the chest region. The most common form of thoracic cancer is lung cancer and esophageal cancer. However, there are other malignancies (malignant tumors) too that can also affect the thoracic area such as thymic tumors, mediastinal tumors, and mesothelioma.

This guide will help you to understand the symptoms, causes, tests, and treatment options available for thoracic cancer. Also, it will provide access to the best thoracic oncologist in Mumbai for a better treatment approach.

How common is Thoracic Cancer?

Lung Cancer is one of the most prevalent types of thoracic cancer. Overall, the chance of men developing lung cancer is 1 in 16, while for women is 1 in 17. The probability of occurrence of lung cancer is highly dependent on certain factors such as smoking and tobacco. People who smoke are at higher risk of developing thoracic cancer in comparison to people who don’t smoke.

Types of Thoracic Cancer

Many cancers affect the chest region which is classified as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, thymic cancer, mediastinal, and mesothelioma. 

1. Lung cancer – Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the tissues of the lungs. It is further divided into two main kinds of cancer i.e. non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

Thoracic Oncologist in Mumbai

2. Esophageal cancer – Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus, which is the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. It can be classified into two main types – adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

3. Thymic tumors – Thymic tumors develop in the thymus, a small gland located in the mediastinum (the space between the lungs). These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). 

4. Mediastinal tumors – Mediastinal tumors arise in the mediastinum, the central part of the chest. They can originate from various structures in the mediastinum, including the lymph nodes, thymus, nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues.

5. Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells, which line the lungs, chest wall, abdomen, and other organs. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. 

A well-experienced Thoracic Oncologist in Mumbai will determine your condition depending on various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and individualized treatment goals. Our strong network of Thoracic oncologists in Mumbai will provide you with the best-in-class multidisciplinary care and tailoring treatment plans to optimize your outcomes.

Symptoms 

There are some common symptoms that may indicate the presence of thoracic cancer that includes –

1. Persistent cough – A chronic or persistent cough that does not go away or worsens over time can be a symptom of thoracic cancer. 
2. Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing can be indicative of lung cancer or other thoracic malignancies.
3. Chest pain – Persistent or recurring chest pain can occur in thoracic cancers, especially in lung cancer and esophageal cancer. 
4. Unexplained weight loss – Significant and unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of various types of cancer, including thoracic cancer. 
5. Hoarseness or voice changes – Hoarseness or changes in the voice can occur if the tumor affects the nerves or structures in the throat or larynx.
6. Swallowing difficulties – Difficulty or pain while swallowing (dysphagia) may indicate esophageal cancer or other tumors that obstruct the esophagus.
7. Swelling of the face or neck – Swelling in the face or neck can occur due to the involvement of lymph nodes in thoracic cancers.
8. Fatigue and weakness –  Persistent fatigue, weakness, or a general decline in energy levels can be a symptom of advanced thoracic cancer or cancer-related anemia.
9. Recurrent respiratory infections – Frequent or recurrent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, can sometimes be associated with thoracic malignancies, particularly lung cancer.

Causes

There are certain risks factors that can increase your likelihood of developing thoracic cancer including –

1. Tobacco smoke – Tobacco smoke, including cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke, is the leading cause of thoracic cancer, particularly lung cancer. It contains numerous carcinogens that can damage the cells in the lungs and other thoracic structures.
2. Exposure to asbestos – Exposure to asbestos fibers is a well-known risk factor for developing mesothelioma, a type of thoracic cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest wall, or abdomen. 
3. Radon gas – Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found in soil, rock, and water. 
4. Environmental and occupational exposures – Other environmental and occupational factors can increase the risk of thoracic cancer. These include exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic, chromium, nickel, as well as radiation exposure.
5. Genetic factors – In some cases, genetic factors and family history can contribute to the development of thoracic cancer. Also, certain inherited gene mutations, such as those in the BRCA2 gene for breast cancer, can increase the risk of developing thoracic cancers like lung cancer.
6. Pre-existing lung diseases – Individuals with pre-existing lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, or previous lung infections, may have an increased risk of developing thoracic cancer.
7. Age and gender – The risk of thoracic cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases diagnosed in individuals over 50 years old. 

Diagnosis and Tests

When thoracic cancer is suspected, several diagnostic tests and procedures are available to aid in its detection and accurate diagnosis. Some common diagnostic tests for thoracic cancer include –

1. Imaging tests

• Chest X-ray – A basic imaging test that may reveal abnormalities in the lungs, such as tumors, masses, or fluid accumulation.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan – Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the chest, helping to visualize the lungs, mediastinum, and other thoracic structures more clearly.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the chest, providing information about the tumor’s size, location, and involvement of nearby structures.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan – Involves injecting a radioactive tracer into the body, which highlights areas of increased metabolic activity.

2. Biopsy 

• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) – A thin needle is used to extract cells or a small tissue sample from the tumor for examination under a microscope.
• Core needle biopsy – A larger needle is used to obtain a small cylindrical tissue sample for analysis.
• Bronchoscopy – A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the nose or mouth to visualize the airways and obtain biopsies or brushings of suspicious areas.
• Mediastinoscopy – A surgical procedure in which a small incision is made at the base of the neck, and a scope is inserted to sample lymph nodes and tissues in the mediastinum.

3. Sputum cytology – Examination of the cells present in a sample of coughed-up sputum under a microscope. It can help detect cancer cells in the respiratory tract.

4. Blood tests – Although there is no single blood test that can definitively diagnose thoracic cancer, certain blood markers, such as tumor markers (eg – carcinoembryonic antigen or CA-125), can be measured and monitored to aid in diagnosis and assess treatment response.

Treatment 

Treatment approaches for thoracic cancer may involve one or a combination of the following modalities –

1. Surgery – Surgical intervention aims to remove the tumor and, if necessary, nearby lymph nodes or affected structures. Surgery may be used as the primary treatment for early-stage thoracic cancers or in combination with other treatments for more advanced cases. 
2. Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used as a standalone treatment for early-stage cancers or as part of a multimodal approach, including surgery and/or chemotherapy
3. Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. It is commonly administered systemically, through intravenous infusion or oral medications.
4. Targeted therapy – Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target certain molecular or genetic abnormalities in cancer cells. These therapies interfere with specific pathways involved in cancer growth and can be effective against specific subtypes of thoracic cancers. 
5. Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. 
6. Palliative care – Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with thoracic cancer, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.

Why Uhapo is the Best Healthcare Navigator to find Thoracic Oncologists in Mumbai?

Uhapo is a social enterprise that provides access to the best medical team of highly-qualified cancer doctors and specialists to treat cancer with care. Our organization is equipped with a network of the Best Thoracic Oncologist in Mumbai who are skilled in various diagnostic techniques that include physical examinations, biopsies, imaging tests (such as CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans), and laboratory analysis for accurately diagnosing thoracic cancer among patients. Our Thoracic Oncologists in Mumbai are expertized in determining the stage of cancer – which involves evaluating the extent of cancer spread for making treatment decisions and providing prognostic information about the likely course of the disease.

We can navigate you to the Best Thoracic Oncologist in Mumbai – that are qualified to assess the individual needs of each patient by developing personalized treatment plans. They determine the overall factors of individual patients including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and their treatment goals. The major treatment options considered by our top oncology doctors in thoracic cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these modalities to cure the patients with the best treatment approaches.

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FAQs about UHAPO’s Thoracic Oncologist in Mumbai

1. What are the common types of thoracic cancer? 

Ans: The most common types of thoracic cancer are lung cancer and esophageal cancer. Some of the most thoracic cancers are – non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), mesothelioma, or thymoma.

2. What are the symptoms of thoracic cancer? 

Ans: Symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Common symptoms may include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and hoarseness.

3. How is thoracic cancer diagnosed? 

Ans: Thoracic cancer is diagnosed through various methods, including imaging tests (chest X-rays, CT scans, PET scans), biopsies (needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, endoscopy), and other laboratory tests.

4. Is thoracic cancer preventable? 

Ans: While it may not be entirely preventable, certain risk factors for thoracic cancer can be minimized. For example, quitting smoking, reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, and avoiding occupational carcinogens can help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.

5. Are there clinical trials available for thoracic cancer?

Ans: Yes, there are ongoing clinical trials and research efforts dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic cancer. Participation in clinical trials may offer access to experimental therapies and potentially contribute to advancements in cancer care.

6. What support is available for thoracic cancer patients and their families? 

Ans: Many cancer centers and organizations provide support services, including counseling, support groups, and resources for patients and their families. Palliative care teams can also help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with advanced thoracic cancer.