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Lung cancer starts in the windpipe, main airway, or lung tissue, where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors in one or both lungs. It is classified into two main types:
Various cancers have different risk factors, and their presence doesn’t guarantee cancer development, just as their absence doesn’t eliminate risk. Several factors increase the likelihood of lung cancer, tied to overall cancer risk.
Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, accounting for roughly 80% of related deaths, with an even higher association with SCLC, which is rare in non-smokers. The risk rises with the duration and intensity of smoking. Cigars, pipes, menthol cigarettes, and low-tar or “light” cigarettes carry similar lung cancer risks as regular cigarettes.
Smoking marijuana may elevate lung cancer risk due to its tar and cancer-causing chemicals, similar to tobacco. Joints are often smoked to the end, where tar content is highest, and the smoke is inhaled deeply and retained longer. The illegal status of marijuana in many regions complicates research and quality control. Since many users also smoke cigarettes, isolating marijuana’s specific cancer risk is challenging, though it is known to irritate lungs and increase infection risk. Further studies are needed.
Classified as tobacco products by the FDA, e-cigarettes contain nicotine and pose health risks, including potential lung damage. Their role in smoking cessation is unproven, and their long-term lung impact remains under debate.
Avoiding secondhand smoke and severe air pollution, or using high-quality air filter masks, is recommended.
Lung cancer may not show symptoms early on, and its signs can resemble other health conditions. Early detection improves treatment outcomes.
As the disease advances, symptoms may include persistent cough or wheezing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain worsened by deep breathing, coughing, or laughing, bone pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Smokers, those with high-risk medical histories, or those experiencing these symptoms should discuss thoracic and lung cancer screening with their doctor.
Common lung cancer symptoms include:
Early and accurate diagnosis and staging significantly improve treatment effectiveness.
Detecting lung cancer in its early stages, when tumors are small and haven’t spread extensively, increases the chances of successful treatment. Screening is recommended for certain current or former smokers.
Zydus Hospitals is home to one of India's most distinguished thoracic surgery units, led by our surgeons who have have been performing multiple first-in-the-country procedures in lung and thoracic oncology. Drawing on almost 30+ years of pooled surgical expertise and advanced training from leading international centres, our thoracic team undertakes complex pulmonary resections, chest wall reconstructions, and mediastinal surgeries with a level of precision and confidence that only comes from exceptional case volumes and deep specialisation.
Our robotic and minimally invasive thoracic capabilities allow for precise tumour removal with reduced trauma, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. They are supported by advanced imaging and diagnostics, a multidisciplinary tumour board, and trained staff, every lung cancer patient at Zydus receives a treatment pathway that is both scientifically rigorous and deeply individualised. Our palliative and supportive care team stands alongside patients throughout their treatment, ensuring comfort at every stage.
