Introduction: What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the UK annually. In the early stages, lung cancer does not cause any symptoms. However, a few symptoms may appear as the disease progresses:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Breathlessness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive tiredness

 

Primary lung cancer begins in the lung cells. In contrast, secondary lung cancer occurs when cancer cells from other parts of the body lodge in the lungs and begin to grow uncontrollably.

 

Depending upon the type of lung cells that turn cancerous, there are two types of lung cancer:

• Non-small-cell lung cancer: The most typical form of lung cancer and accounts for nearly 87% of cases, non-small-cell lung cancers can be squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas or large-cell carcinoma.

 

• Small-cell lung cancer: This is the less common type of lung cancer but spreads faster than non-small-cell lung cancer.

 

Lung cancer is more common in older adults and rarely occurs in people younger than 40. Active and passive smoking are both common causes of lung cancer.

How is Lung Cancer Treated?

Lung cancer treatment depends upon several factors, including the type of cancer, the mutation in the cells, the extent of spread and the overall health of the individuals. When diagnosed early, lung cancer is usually confined to a small area that can be removed entirely by surgery. When lung cancer spreads, other treatment options may be required.

 

Standard treatment options that are used to treat lung cancer are:

• Surgery

Non-small-cell lung cancers can be treated with surgery. The stage and extent of surgery depend upon the stage and location of your cancer in the lung. Other treatment options may be recommended when surgery is not possible or advisable.

Surgery is rarely used to treat small-cell lung cancers unless the cancer is localised and is confined to the lung. These cancers are usually treated using chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of both (chemoradiation)

• Chemotherapy

This treatment uses cytotoxic drugs to damage or kill cancer cells and prevent their growth. Chemotherapy is used to treat small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer.

While chemotherapy is the primary treatment for small-cell lung cancer, it may be given before or after surgery in the case of non-small-cell lung cancers. Chemotherapy may also be provided with targeted therapy or immunotherapy to control symptoms and improve the individual’s quality of life.

• Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment is used for both types of lung cancer. It is usually preferred in the following cases:

•   To cure early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer instead of surgery
•   With or after chemotherapy for both types of lung cancers
•   To prevent cancer spread to the brain, especially in people with small-cell lung cancer
•       To relieve and control symptoms in advanced lung cancer cases (part of palliative treatment)

 

• Targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy

Both these treatments use drugs that target only cancer cells and are found to be effective in treating non-small-cell lung cancers. Immunotherapy may be given to reduce the risk of lung cancer recurrence after chemoradiation. Several newer target therapy and immunotherapy drugs are being developed in clinical trials.

Your doctor and multidisciplinary team of experts will evaluate and assess your lung cancer and recommend the most effective treatment options. If you have any queries about your diagnosis or treatment plan, seek a second opinion with another specialist.

How Can Klarity Oncology Help?

At Klarity Oncology, we aim to redefine cancer care using technology-abled solutions. We understand the complexity and urgency involved in cancer care. From helping you find a private oncologist near you to providing priority appointments for second opinions, we ensure tailor-made treatment plans for each patient. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, reach out to us, and our dedicated cancer care team will help you throughout your journey.

Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in the UK

The cost of lung cancer treatment in the UK is affordable. While the treatment costs may vary slightly in private hospitals and centres than in public ones, most health insurances cover these costs. Your lung cancer treatment costs depend upon several parameters– from the stage and type of cancer to treatment options recommended by your doctor. Your doctor and health team will discuss these costs before starting your treatment. 

How Is Lung Cancer Treatment Cost Calculated?

 If you have lung cancer, your treatment cost is calculated based on the following factors:

• Type, stage and grade of your lung cancer
• Location of cancer in your lungs
• The extent of its spread
• Treatment options prescribed
• Enrolment in clinical trials
• Medications
• Surgery and hospital stay
• Outpatient procedures
• Duration of the overall treatment
• Number of radiation and chemotherapy cycles required
• Additional procedures or treatments necessary for managing side effects

 

The treatment cost given to you for your lung cancer is usually a rough estimate. However, you must remember that these treatment costs may vary if you require any additional procedures along the way.

Talk to Us

A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and worrisome. We understand. If you need help with any part of your cancer journey, contact us today.