Lung Cancer Treatment at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Juhu
Lung cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, and among the leading causes of cancer death. Lung cancer develops when cells in the lung tissue begin dividing uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can interfere with breathing and, if untreated, spread to other organs. Not all lung cancers behave the same way - some grow slowly over years; others progress within weeks. This variability is precisely why classification matters so much in this disease. At CritiCare Asia Hospitals, our team provides comprehensive lung cancer treatment in Juhu, Mumbai, using the most advanced technology and expertise.
Types of Lung Cancer
Broadly, lung cancer falls into two categories, and the distinction shapes nearly every treatment decision that follows.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) accounts for roughly 85% of cases and includes several subtypes:
- Adenocarcinoma
the most common subtype, typically found in the outer regions of the lung; also, the form most frequently seen in non-smokers - Squamous cell carcinoma
arises closer to the central airways and carries a strong association with smoking - Large cell carcinoma
rarer, but tends to grow and spread more quickly than other NSCLC subtypes
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) makes up the remaining 10–15% of cases. Also called oat cell cancer, it grows faster and spreads earlier than NSCLC, and is almost always linked to a heavy smoking history. Because SCLC often presents at a more advanced stage by the time it's found, treatment strategy differs meaningfully from NSCLC from the outset. Consult lung cancer specialists in Mumbai at our hospital for detailed diagnosis and care.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Early lung cancer often produces no symptoms at all, which is part of why it's frequently diagnosed at a later stage. When symptoms do appear, watch for:
- A persistent cough that worsens over time
- Blood in sputum (haemoptysis)
- Chest pain or discomfort, especially with breathing
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Unexplained hoarseness
- Unintended weight loss and fatigue
- Recurrent chest infections
If cancer has spread beyond the lungs, bone pain or neurological symptoms like headaches and weakness can also occur, depending on where it has travelled.
Risk Factors of Lung Cancer
Smoking remains the dominant risk factor, responsible for the large majority of cases - both active smoking and long-term secondhand exposure raise risk substantially. Beyond tobacco, several other exposures matter: radon gas in homes, asbestos in occupational settings, and long-term air pollution have all been linked to elevated risk. A family history of lung cancer, prior chest radiation, and underlying conditions such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis add further risk on top of these.
Screening of Lung Cancer
For individuals at high risk - typically long-term heavy smokers over 50 - low-dose CT screening allows detection of suspicious nodules well before symptoms appear, at a stage when treatment options are considerably broader. Consult oncologists at the best lung cancer hospital in Mumbai, CritiCare Asia Hospitals, to understand your screening options.
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with imaging, followed by tissue confirmation. Common tools include bronchoscopy to visualise and sample the airways, CT-guided biopsy for peripheral nodules, and PET-CT to assess how far the disease has spread. For NSCLC in particular, molecular and biomarker testing - looking at markers such as EGFR, ALK, and PD-L1 - has become a standard part of the workup, since the results directly determine whether a patient qualifies for targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Treatment Options for Lung Cancer
Treatment is tailored to cancer type, stage, and the biomarker profile identified during diagnosis.
- Surgery
lobectomy or pneumonectomy for localized disease; minimally invasive approaches such as VATS where clinically appropriate - Radiation therapy
used alone or alongside other treatments, particularly for tumours that aren't surgical candidates - Chemotherapy
remains central for SCLC and for NSCLC where surgery isn't an option - Targeted therapy
drugs matched to specific genetic mutations identified through biomarker testing - Immunotherapy
harnesses the immune system against cancer cells, guided by PD-L1 expression levels
Consult our team of onco-surgeons to understand if you need lung cancer surgery in Mumbai.
Preventive Care for Lung Cancer
- Quit smoking
the single most effective preventive step, along with avoiding secondhand smoke exposure - Test for radon
Check homes and workplaces for radon gas, a leading risk factor after smoking - Use protective measures in high-exposure occupations, particularly around asbestos and other industrial carcinogens
- Limit exposure to air pollution where possible, especially over the long term
Lung Cancer Treatment at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Juhu
At CritiCare Asia Hospitals, the best cancer hospital in Juhu, lung cancer care begins with a precise diagnostic workup - imaging, biopsy, and molecular testing - to establish not just the stage of disease but its underlying biology. This distinction guides whether a patient is best served by surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, or a combination of approaches. The oncology team works through each option with the patient, weighing treatment intensity against overall health and lung function, so the plan reflects the individual rather than a generic protocol. If you're concerned about persistent respiratory symptoms or have risk factors that warrant evaluation, speak with our oncology team to discuss screening and next steps.