Thoracic Oncology

The symptoms of thoracic cancers vary based on the type of cancer and the tissues involved. These cancers are often asymptomatic in earlier stages. The symptoms appear when the disease advances beyond the scope of successful treatment. For this reason, it is important to take symptoms seriously and get an appointment with a doctor if you experience changes in your health that worry you. Symptoms of most thoracic cancers include:

• A new cough that worsens with time or doesn't go away
• Pain in the chest that gets worse when laughing, deep breathing, or coughing
• Presence of blood in sputum
• Tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Hoarseness of voice
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Unexplained unintentional weight loss
• Decreased appetite or loss of appetite
• Generalised weakness

Please note that if you have these symptoms, it does not mean that you have cancer, as they commonly occur in other medical conditions also. Additionally, some people do not have any such symptoms when diagnosed. However, seeing a doctor is the only way to know for sure. Prevention is always better than cure. If you are finding a pulmonologist in Navi Mumbai, you can trust our team.

Like many other cancers, thoracic cancers occur when the cellular DNA undergoes damage in the form of changes or mutations. Normally, the cell's DNA instructs it to do its functions properly. When the DNA is damaged, the cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, accumulate over time and give rise to a tumour. Thoracic cancers develop when this abnormal growth of cells occurs in the chest cavity. Certain biological factors such as familial genes, age, and hormones can contribute to cell damage and increase the risk of developing cancers. Other risk factors include smoking, exposure to carcinogenic chemicals like arsenic and asbestos, and radiation history.

Thoracic cancer is a general term for all cancers that occur in the chest cavity, like lung cancers, thymic cancers, and tracheal cancers. Lung cancers are the most common form of thoracic cancer. The common types of chest cavity cancers include:

• Non-small cell cancer of the lung
  These cancers constitute about 85 per cent of total lung cancers. They include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
• Small-cell lung cancer
  These cancers constitute about 10-15 per cent of total lung cancers. They can start anywhere in the lung and grow faster than other cancers. They are easier to treat but also more prone to recurrence.
• Mesothelioma
  It is cancer that begins in the pleura, peritoneum, or other tissues that line the abdominal organs or cavity.
• Thymoma
  It is the malignant tumour of the thymus, a small organ in the chest that lies just beneath the breastbone and regulates the function of the lymphatic system.
• Metastatic thoracic cancers
  Breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and primary cancers of other organs can sometimes spread to the lungs or other intrathoracic organs via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, causing thoracic cancers.

The risk factors for developing thoracic cancers can be modifiable or non-modifiable. Non-modifiable risk factors like family history, genetic mutations, and hormonal imbalances can not be altered. However, modifiable risk factors for thoracic cancers can be prevented by taking certain measures, including:

• Smoking
  Smoking in any form increases the risk of developing certain cancers, including thoracic cancers. The toxic substances present in smoke damage the lining of the thoracic organs, increasing the risk of cancer. So, if you are a smoker, look for ways to quit the bad habit. If you are not, don't start smoking. If you are addicted to smoking, quitting might be hard for you. You can ask for help from your doctor about strategies to quit smoking or join support groups and talk to people who have successfully fought the addiction.
• Use protective equipment
  If your profession involves you being exposed to toxic chemicals or gases, using a mask or another approved protective device might reduce the risk of developing thoracic cancers.
• Eat a healthy diet
  Consume a well-balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables are helpful in reducing the risk of developing cancers.
• Get regular medical check-ups done
  Most thoracic cancers are asymptomatic. So, getting those detected earlier by undergoing regular medical check-ups is important to stop the disease from progressing when it is in its earlier stages.

We at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai acknowledge that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening, but you will find ways to cope with the negative feelings with time. Until then, learning enough about cancer you have and looking at the various treatment options and their prognosis might help you. You can ask your doctor questions regarding your condition, including your test results and the treatment options. It may help you be more confident in making decisions about the treatment plan. You can also consider joining support groups and meeting with people suffering from or who have recovered from the same cancer as you. Keep your friends, and family members close and do not hesitate to share your emotional problems with them. Also, do not hesitate to share your symptoms and mental health problems with the oncology team at our hospital throughout the treatment journey. There are medicines available for every symptom, so you do not need to tolerate those unnecessarily. The oncology team at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital provides the best Thoracic Oncology treatment in Navi Mumbai. It aims not only to treat your physical symptoms but also to ensure your mental and emotional well being at all times.