Thoracic Cancer Treatment

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Thoracic Cancer Treatment in Mumbai

Thoracic cancer is a general term for cancers that begin in the chest (thorax). The most common are lung cancer and esophageal (food pipe) cancer. Treatment depends on the type, stage and location of the cancer and on your overall health. It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination.

At Asian Cancer Institute – ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital, our oncology and surgical teams provide thoracic cancer treatment in Mumbai. Each treatment plan is based on your diagnosis, cancer stage, overall health and individual needs.

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What Is Thoracic Cancer?

The thorax, or chest, contains the lungs, food pipe, windpipe, thymus gland, and lining around the lungs. Thoracic cancers include lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, thymic tumours, and rare chest wall or windpipe tumours. Each type requires a specific treatment approach, and early stages may not cause noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms of Thoracic Cancer

Symptoms depend on where the cancer is. Common ones include:

Note: These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as infections, asthma, tuberculosis or acid reflux. If they continue for more than a few weeks, please consult a doctor.

01 A cough that does not go away or gets worse

02 Coughing up blood

03 Chest pain or pressure

04 Shortness of breath or wheezing

05 Difficulty or pain when swallowing

06 Hoarse voice

07 Repeated chest infections

08 Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not always known. Factors that may increase the risk include:

Smoking and tobacco use, including bidi and chewing tobacco

Long-term exposure to second-hand smoke

Air pollution

Workplace exposure to substances such as asbestos

Regular heavy alcohol use

Long-term acid reflux

A family history of cancer

Earlier radiation to the chest

Note: Thoracic cancers can also affect people with none of these factors. Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop cancer.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor if you have a cough, breathlessness, chest discomfort, trouble swallowing or weight loss that does not settle within a few weeks. Seek medical care promptly if you have:

Coughing up blood or vomiting blood

Sudden or severe breathlessness

Persistent chest pain

Difficulty swallowing food or liquids

How Is Thoracic Cancer Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis helps your doctor choose the right treatment. Based on your symptoms and examination, your doctor may recommend:

Chest X-ray and CT scan

To look for abnormal areas in the chest

Biopsy and histopathology

A small tissue sample examined under a microscope to confirm cancer and identify its type

Bronchoscopy or upper GI endoscopy

A thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the airways or food pipe and take samples

PET-CT and other imaging

To check whether the cancer has spread

Molecular and biomarker testing

To look for tumour features that may guide targeted treatment or immunotherapy

Blood tests and lung function tests

To assess your general health

Note: Our Endoscopy services and radiology team support the diagnostic process, while oncology specialists assess the results and plan treatment.

Thoracic Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage and location, and your overall health. Your care team will explain the options and the reasons for their recommendation. Often, more than one treatment is combined.

01 / SURGERY

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended when the tumour can be removed. Depending on the cancer, this may involve removing part or all of a lung, part of the esophagus, or a tumour in the chest. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to check for spread. Chest surgery is complex, so it is planned carefully with the whole team. Asian Cancer Institute offers Surgical Oncology services, with operating theatres and a robotic surgery suite to support suitable procedures.

01 / SURGERY

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy or control cancer cells. It may be given before surgery, after surgery, along with radiotherapy, or as the main treatment for advanced cancer. Our Medical Oncology team plans treatment based on your diagnosis, pathology results and overall health. Chemotherapy and daycare services are available for eligible patients.

01 / SURGERY

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It may be used alone or with chemotherapy, and sometimes to relieve symptoms such as pain or difficulty swallowing.

01 / SURGERY

Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

Some thoracic cancers have specific features that help doctors choose suitable medicines. Targeted therapy acts on these features, and immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight cancer cells. They are considered only for selected patients, based on test results.

01 / SURGERY

Supportive Care

Treatment may include managing symptoms such as breathlessness, pain, fluid around the lungs or swallowing difficulty. Nutritional support is also an important part of care.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

All cancer treatments can cause side effects, and these vary from person to person.

After surgery

pain, bleeding, infection, breathing problems and, after esophageal surgery, changes in eating. Recovery takes time.

During chemotherapy

nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, hair loss, lower blood counts and a higher risk of infection.

With radiotherapy

skin irritation, tiredness, cough and difficulty swallowing during treatment.

With targeted therapy or immunotherapy

skin changes, diarrhoea, tiredness, or inflammation in some organs, depending on the medicine.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery depends on the type of treatment and your general health. After chest surgery, breathing exercises and gradual physical activity help the lungs recover. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take, and your doctor can help you with this. Good nutrition and rest support healing, and a dietitian can guide you if eating is affected. Regular follow-up visits and scans help the team monitor your recovery and check for any return of the disease.

Our Experts

Thoracic cancer care may involve specialists from several areas of oncology and surgery. At ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital, patients have access to experienced specialists across these disciplines.

Padmashri

Dr. Ramakant Deshpande

MBBS, MS, FICA, FAIS, DHA

CHAIRMAN HOD Thoracic Surgery, Surgical Oncology

Dr. Sanjay Sharma

MBBS, MS, FICS, FAIS

Director HOD Breast Surgery, Thoracic Cancer Consultant Surgical Oncology

Why Choose Asian Cancer Institute?

ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital is a NABH-accredited tertiary healthcare centre with more than 50 beds and dedicated ICU facilities. It has three operating theatres, a robotic surgery suite, an endoscopy suite and daycare services.

Medical oncology, surgical oncology, endoscopy, radiology and other supportive specialties work together, so you can receive coordinated cancer care under one roof. Our approach focuses on personalised treatment, clear communication and compassionate care through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Questions, answered

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Every case is different. These answers can help you prepare for a more detailed conversation with your care team.

1. What is thoracic cancer?

Thoracic cancer is a broad term for cancers that start in the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, windpipe, thymus and the lining around the lungs. Lung cancer is the most common type.

2. Is thoracic cancer the same as lung cancer?

Not exactly. Lung cancer is one type of thoracic cancer. The term also includes cancers of the esophagus and other structures in the chest.

3. What are the early signs of thoracic cancer?

Early thoracic cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they may include a long-lasting cough, breathlessness, chest pain, difficulty swallowing or weight loss. These can also be caused by other conditions, so a doctor’s evaluation is needed.

4. How is thoracic cancer diagnosed?

Doctors usually start with imaging such as a chest X-ray or CT scan. A biopsy is then needed to confirm cancer and identify its type. Additional tests show how far the cancer has spread and whether targeted treatment may be suitable.

5. Can thoracic cancer be cured?

It depends mainly on the type and stage at diagnosis. When found early and the tumour can be removed, treatment may aim for a cure. In advanced cases, treatment usually focuses on controlling the disease and improving quality of life. Your oncologist can explain what to expect in your situation.

6. Is surgery the only treatment for thoracic cancer?

No. Surgery is considered when the tumour can be removed. Other options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, used alone or in combination based on your diagnosis.

7. Can non-smokers get thoracic cancer?

Yes. Smoking is a major risk factor, but these cancers can also affect people who have never smoked. Air pollution, second-hand smoke, workplace exposure to certain substances and family history may play a role.

7. Which doctor should I see for chest cancer symptoms?

You can start with a general physician or an oncology specialist. They may refer you for scans, a biopsy or an endoscopy, depending on your symptoms.

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If you have been diagnosed with chest or thoracic cancer, are experiencing persistent cough, breathlessness, chest pain or difficulty swallowing, or are seeking a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment plan, consulting an oncology specialist can help you understand your condition and available treatment options. Contact Asian Cancer Institute – ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital to schedule a consultation or seek a second opinion.