Early Lung Cancer Treatment: Know Symptoms, Stage, Treatment and Complete Information | Dr. Ankita Sharma

Verified by Dr. Ankita Sharma (Oncologist). #LungCancerAwareness

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world, but early detection and treatment can save lives. This article we will discuss early lung cancer, treatment stages, symptoms, medicines, and survival rates. Let’s start!

How do I know I Have Lung Cancer? Warning Signs

Many patients ask: “How do I know something is wrong?” Here are some common early symptoms:

1. Cough for more than 3 weeks: Worsens over time.
2. Breathing difficulties: Difficulty breathing even while standing or walking.
3. Chest pain: Sharp or dull pain while breathing deeply or eating.
4. Unexplained weight loss: Sudden loss of 5-10% of body weight.
5. Fatigue: Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep.
6. Bloody cough: Blood visible in sputum or saliva (even if it’s just a little).

Real-Life Example: Rahul, a 52-year-old survivor, says: “I ignored my cough for 6 months. When I started breathing heavily while gardening, I got a CT scan done. A Stage I tumor was removed. Surgery saved my life.”

When to go to the doctor?
If any of these symptoms persist for 2 weeks, see the doctor immediately. Quick treatment can save lives.

Stages of Lung Cancer:

In simple Words, Lung cancer is divided into 4 stages to help create a treatment plan. The treatment and chances vary for each stage.

Stage 0: (pre-cancer or “straight up”)

What happens?	Cancer cells are only in the upper layer of the lungs. They do not reach inside.
Symptoms:	You do not feel anything. Sometimes it is accidentally detected in X-ray or scan.
Treatment:	Removing the cancerous part through surgery.
Recovery:	You can start normal life within 2-4 weeks.
Survival Rate:	More than 90% people live for 5 years.

Lung Cancer Stage 01: Early Lung Cancer

What happens?	Small tumor (smaller than 4 cm) in only one lung.
Symptoms:	Mild cough, fatigue, or frequent chest infections.
Treatment:	Surgery (tumor removal) + chemo in some cases.
Recovery:	6–8 weeks. Fatigue can last for months.
Survival Rate:	75–80% of people survive for up to 5 years.

Lung Cancer Stage 02: (Non-Spread Lymph Nodes Tumor)

What happens?	The tumor is larger than 4 cm or has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Symptoms:	Chronic cough, chest pain, wheezing.
Treatment:	Surgery + Chemo + Radiation.
Recovery:	8–12 weeks. A scan is done every 6 months.
Survival Rate:	40–50% people survive for 5 years.

Lung Cancer Stage 03: (Advanced But Not Spread)

What happens?	Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, chest wall, or heart.
Symptoms:	Severe chest pain, throat problems, loss of voice.
Treatment:	Chemo + radiation combined + immunotherapy (such as Durvalumab).
Recovery:	6–12 months. Fatigue and hair loss are common.
Survival Rate:	15–30% of people survive for 5 years.

Lung Cancer Stage 04: (Cancer has Spread to Other Parts of the Body)

What happens?	Cancer has spread to the brain, liver and bones.
Symptoms:	Bone pain, headache, peeling skin (jaundice).
Treatment:	Targeted therapy (such as Osimertinib) or palliative care.
Recovery:	Focus is on quality of life.
Survival Rate:	5–10% of people live for 5 years.

Also Read: Is Low Potassium a Sign of Cancer? Simple Answers for Curious Minds

Lung Cancer Medicines: Chemo, Immunotherapy, and Remedies

• Chemotherapy: Drugs like Carboplatin that kill cancer cells. It lasts for 3–6 months.
• Immunotherapy: Drugs like Nivolumab that help the body’s immunity fight cancer.
• Targeted Therapy: Pills like Erlotinib that target specific genes.

Note:

• Stop smoking completely.
• Eat protein-rich food (andi, lentils, paneer).
• Walk a little or do yoga.

Lung Cancer Survival Rates: Why Early Treatment Is Important?

Stage 1: 80% of people survive 5 years.

Stage 4: Less than 10%.

But new treatments (such as immunotherapy) are improving survival.

Also Read: Early Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer and What to Do Next

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Early Lung Cancer Treatment

Final Words: Cancer is a difficult disease, but quick detection makes the treatment easier. Do not delay if you or anyone notices any symptoms—consult with a doctor. Life is very valuable!

References:

1. National Cancer Institute (NCI) – American Cancer Society www.cancer.gov/types/lung
2. American Cancer Society – Symptoms and Early Detection of Lung Cancer https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer.html
3. World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Lung Cancer Statistics – https://www.who.int/

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