For patients who are suspected of having or are suffering from lung cancer, a multidisciplinary team of specialists are consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Pulmonologist – A lung specialist.
- Oncologist – is a cancer specialist who provides chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Radiation Oncologist – a specialized for providing expertise for those who require radiation therapy to reduce the tumors.
- Thoracic Surgeon – they are surgeons involved when removal of tumors or affected lung tissue is required.
- Palliative Care Specialist – Helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cases.
The role of a pulmonologist ensures early detection, symptom relief, and better lung function, making them an essential part of the lung cancer care team.
- Early Detection and Diagnosis: With symptoms of prolonged cough, associated with blood in sputum and breathlessness, a pulmonologist is visited who then takes detailed history and does a thorough examination. He then orders imaging tests (chest X-ray, CT scan, high resolution or with contrast) to detect lung abnormalities. A pulmonologist performs bronchoscopy, which is an invasive procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with camera is inserted into the airways for the survey and lung biopsy to confirm cancer diagnosis.
- Staging and Assessment: pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to assess lung capacity before treatment. With the help of radiological investigation, it helps determine cancer stage and whether surgery is an option.
- Treatment and Support: a pulmonologist provides guidance in creating a personalized treatment plan with oncologists and thoracic surgeons and provides supportive treatment for controlling respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing. If any less surgical treatment needed such as bronchoscopic interventions (stent placement, tumor debulking) to relieve airway obstruction, it is performed by a pulmonologist.
- Post-Treatment and Palliative Care: treatment of cancer carries risk and complications including infections, collection of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), low oxygenation or breathlessness. A pulmonologist provides a supportive treatment plan, with regular clinic follow-ups, chest x-rays, lung functions tests and blood tests. In advanced cases, palliative care is offered to improve the quality of life, this requires certain medications which are to be taken under supervision of a pulmonologist.
Dr. Javed Husain, a board-certified pulmonologist and critical care specialist, here at The Chest Clinic providing his expertise in diagnosis, management, and support of lung cancer patients with personalized and high-quality care. Dr. Javed Husain and the team at The Chest Clinic work with compassion, and empathy towards their patients and their families, understanding the difficulties and the challenges the patient and their caregiver will face.
For appointment and further details, please call (+92) 3018479066, or email us at connect@thechestclinic.pk.