Lung Cancer Treatment in Pune
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in India, yet it is highly treatable when detected early. If you are searching for trusted lung cancer treatment in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud provides advanced, patient-first care at Jupiter Hospital, Baner and Cancer Care Clinic, Pimple Saudagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad. He is an MCh-qualified Surgical Oncologist in Pune with 17+ years of experience and one of the most experienced lung cancer specialists in Pune — treating all stages of NSCLC and SCLC with precision and compassion. As a specialist in thoracic oncology in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud is trained in robotic surgery, VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery), and minimally invasive lung cancer procedures. He has treated over 10,000 cancer patients with a 95% surgical success rate and received the Best Oral Paper Award at ISO 2019 for his research on 3D VATS Esophagectomy — reflecting his specific depth of expertise in thoracic surgical oncology. Whether you are newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, Dr. Chirag Bhirud builds a personalised treatment plan around your exact diagnosis, stage, and overall health.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, seeking a second opinion, or looking for a thoracic cancer surgeon in Pune experienced in minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Chirag Bhirud offers a personalised treatment plan built around your exact diagnosis — from early-stage VATS lobectomy to advanced multimodal therapy for metastatic lung cancer.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, but early diagnosis can greatly improve treatment outcomes. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, and unexplained weight loss. With timely lung cancer treatment and expert care, many patients can achieve better recovery and improved quality of life.
Understanding the Different Types of Lung Cancer:
Understanding the type of lung cancer helps in planning the right treatment. The WHO lung cancer classification broadly divides lung cancer into two main categories:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) — This is the most common type. It includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. It grows more slowly than small cell cancer.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) — This type is less common but grows faster. It tends to spread quickly and is often diagnosed at a later stage.
- Other rare types — These include carcinoid tumours, lymphoma of the lung, and secondary (metastatic) lung cancers.
A proper pathology report and staging help a Cancer Specialist in Pune decide the most effective treatment approach.
Stages of Lung Cancer
Staging determines how far the cancer has spread and directly guides the choice of treatment. Lung cancer staging differs by type — NSCLC uses Stage I to IV, while SCLC uses a two-stage system.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Stages:
- Stage I — tumour is small and confined to the lung with no spread to lymph nodes; surgery alone (lobectomy or segmentectomy) is the primary treatment; highest chance of cure
- Stage II — tumour is larger or has spread to nearby lymph nodes within the lung; treated with surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy
- Stage III — locally advanced; cancer has spread to mediastinal lymph nodes or nearby structures; treatment depends on resectability — operable cases are treated with surgery and chemotherapy or chemoradiation; inoperable cases receive definitive chemoradiation
- Stage IV — cancer has spread to the other lung, the lining of the lung (pleura), or distant organs such as the brain, bones, liver, or adrenal glands; treated with targeted therapy (for EGFR, ALK, ROS1 mutations), immunotherapy, or chemotherapy; palliative care is incorporated for symptom management
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Stages:
- Limited Stage — cancer is confined to one side of the chest and can be included in a single radiation field; treated with combined chemotherapy and radiation; more responsive to treatment than extensive stage
- Extensive Stage — cancer has spread beyond one side of the chest or to distant organs; treated with chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy; focus includes both disease control and quality of life
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Lung Cancer:
Understanding why lung cancer happens helps in prevention and early action:
- Smoking — The single biggest cause. Tobacco smoke contains over 70 known cancer-causing chemicals.
- Passive smoking — Regular exposure to secondhand smoke also significantly increases risk.
- Air pollution — Long-term exposure to polluted air, especially in cities, raises lung cancer risk.
- Radon gas — A naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil and buildings.
- Asbestos and workplace chemicals — Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and diesel fumes.
- Genetic factors — A family history of lung cancer increases personal risk.
- Previous lung disease — Conditions like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis may increase susceptibility.
Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer You Should Not Ignore:
Many people ignore early warning signs. Watch out for:
- A persistent cough that does not go away or gets worse
- Coughing up blood or rust-coloured sputum
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
- Shortness of breath during routine activities
- Hoarseness or change in voice
- Recurrent chest infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- Swelling in the face or neck
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a Cancer Doctor immediately. Early consultation can make a life-saving difference.
Who is at Risk for Lung Cancer?
- Smokers — Current or former heavy smokers face the highest risk.
- Age 50+ — Risk increases significantly after the age of 50.
- Occupational exposure — Workers in mining, construction, and chemical industries are at higher risk.
- Family history — People with close relatives diagnosed with lung cancer should be extra careful.
- Air pollution exposure — People living near industrial zones or high-traffic areas face increased risk.
- Previous lung disease — A history of COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or tuberculosis can raise the risk.
If you belong to any of these groups, regular screening is essential. Speak to Dr. Chirag Bhirud lungs specialist in Pune for a personalised screening plan.
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. Dr. Chirag Bhirud follows a thorough diagnostic process:
- Chest X-ray — First line of investigation for any lung abnormality.
- CT scan of the chest — Provides detailed images to detect tumours and assess their size.
- PET-CT scan — Identifies cancer spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
- Bronchoscopy — A thin, flexible camera is inserted to examine the airways and collect tissue samples.
- Biopsy — A tissue sample is examined to confirm the type and stage of cancer.
- Molecular testing — Identifies specific gene mutations (EGFR, ALK, ROS1) to guide targeted therapy.
- Pulmonary function tests — Assess lung capacity before surgery planning.
As an experienced Cancer Surgeon in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud uses the latest diagnostic tools to ensure the correct diagnosis before starting any cancer treatment.
Treatment Options for Lung Cancer in Pune
The right lung cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer — NSCLC or SCLC — the stage, the location of the tumour, the patient’s lung function, and overall health. As an experienced lung cancer specialist in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud personalises every treatment plan — prioritising minimally invasive surgical approaches wherever clinically possible and coordinating non-surgical therapies with a dedicated multidisciplinary oncology team at Jupiter Hospital, Baner.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery offers the best chance of a complete cure for early-stage and locally advanced resectable lung cancer. Dr. Chirag Bhirud specialises in the following lung cancer surgeries in Pune:
- Lobectomy — removal of the entire lobe of the lung containing the tumour; the most commonly performed and oncologically preferred surgery for early-stage NSCLC (Stage I and II); Dr. Chirag Bhirud performs lobectomy using both VATS and robotic-assisted approaches wherever feasible
- VATS — Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in Pune — a minimally invasive keyhole technique where a small camera and instruments are inserted through tiny incisions in the chest wall; avoids the need to open the chest fully; significantly reduces post-operative pain, blood loss, and hospital stay; Dr. Chirag Bhirud received the Best Oral Paper Award at ISO 2019 specifically for his research on 3D VATS — reflecting his specific expertise in this technique
- Robotic-Assisted Lung Resection in Pune — performed using the Da Vinci robotic system; offers superior 3D visualisation, tremor-free instrument precision, and enhanced manoeuvrability in the narrow chest cavity; ideal for complex resections where standard VATS is technically challenging; results in minimal scarring and faster return to normal activity
- Segmentectomy — removal of a specific anatomical segment of the lung rather than the entire lobe; recommended for very small early-stage tumours or in patients with limited lung reserve where a full lobectomy would compromise breathing function
- Pneumonectomy — complete removal of one entire lung; reserved for advanced cases where the tumour involves the main bronchus or spans multiple lobes; performed when no lesser resection can achieve complete tumour clearance
- Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection — removal of lymph nodes in the chest cavity alongside the primary lung resection; essential for accurate staging and reducing the risk of regional recurrence
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatments are used before surgery to shrink the tumour, after surgery to reduce recurrence risk, or as the primary treatment when surgery is not suitable. Dr. Chirag Bhirud coordinates all non-surgical therapies with a dedicated oncology team at Jupiter Hospital, Baner.
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) — a highly precise, non-surgical radiation technique that delivers high-dose radiation to early-stage lung tumours with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue; recommended for Stage I NSCLC patients who are not fit for surgery
- Chemotherapy — used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink large tumours or after surgery (adjuvant) to reduce recurrence risk; primary treatment for SCLC in combination with radiation
- Targeted Therapy — EGFR inhibitors (Osimertinib), ALK inhibitors (Alectinib), and ROS1 inhibitors target specific gene mutations driving tumour growth; highly effective for EGFR-positive and ALK-positive NSCLC with significantly better outcomes than standard chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy — checkpoint inhibitors such as Pembrolizumab boost the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells; used for advanced NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression and in combination with chemotherapy for first-line metastatic treatment
- Radiation Therapy — used post-surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells, for inoperable Stage III NSCLC in combination with chemotherapy, or for palliative symptom relief in Stage IV disease
- Palliative Care — for advanced-stage lung cancer; focuses on symptom control, pain management, breathlessness relief, and quality of life alongside active treatment
Which treatment is right for you?
The right combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments depends entirely on your specific diagnosis. Dr. Chirag Bhirud evaluates every patient individually — considering cancer type, stage, gene mutation status, lung function, and personal goals — before recommending a personalised plan. Whether you need a minimally invasive VATS lobectomy or a complex multimodal treatment approach for advanced lung cancer, consulting an experienced thoracic oncology specialist in Pune early gives you the widest range of treatment options and the best possible outcome.
Lung Cancer Survival Rate by Stage
Survival rates for lung cancer depend heavily on the stage at diagnosis, the cancer type, and whether specific gene mutations are present that allow targeted therapy. The figures below are based on published oncology data applicable to Indian patient populations.
NSCLC Survival Rates:
- Stage I — 70–90% five-year survival rate; surgery at this stage offers the best long-term outcomes
- Stage II — 50–65% five-year survival rate; surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy improves outcomes significantly
- Stage III — 15–35% five-year survival rate; outcomes vary considerably based on whether the tumour is resectable and the response to chemoradiation
- Stage IV — 5–20% five-year survival rate; patients with EGFR or ALK mutations who respond to targeted therapy are living significantly longer than these averages suggest
SCLC Survival Rates:
- Limited Stage — 15–30% five-year survival rate; combined chemoradiation achieves good initial response rates
- Extensive Stage — below 5% five-year survival rate; treatment goal is disease control and quality of life
Early detection of lung cancer at Stage I more than triples survival outcomes compared to Stage IV diagnosis. High-risk individuals — smokers above 50 years, those with occupational exposures, or those with a family history — should discuss low-dose CT screening with Dr. Chirag Bhirud at Jupiter Hospital, Baner.
Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in Pune
The cost of lung cancer treatment in Pune depends on the type and stage of cancer, the surgical approach chosen, whether chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy is required, and the duration of hospitalisation and follow-up.
- VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) Lobectomy — ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs; minimally invasive; shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
- Robotic-Assisted Lung Resection — ₹5 – ₹8 lakhs; highest precision; minimal blood loss; recommended for complex resections
- Open Lobectomy / Pneumonectomy — ₹2.5 – ₹5 lakhs; conventional approach for advanced or complex cases
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) — ₹2 – ₹5 lakhs; non-surgical option for early-stage lung cancer in patients unfit for surgery
- Chemotherapy (per cycle) — ₹20,000 – ₹80,000 per cycle depending on the regimen
- Targeted Therapy — EGFR / ALK inhibitors (per month) — ₹50,000 – ₹2 lakhs per month
- Immunotherapy (per cycle) — ₹1 – ₹3 lakhs per cycle
- Radiation Therapy (full course) — ₹2 – ₹4 lakhs
Costs are indicative and may vary based on individual clinical requirements, investigations, and hospital charges.
At Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Dr. Chirag Bhirud ensures every patient receives world-class lung cancer treatment with complete billing transparency. VATS and robotic cancer surgery carry a higher upfront cost but reduce hospital stay, complication risk, and total recovery expenses significantly. For a personalised cost estimate, contact Dr. Chirag Bhirud.
Prevention and Early Detection of Lung Cancer:
- Avoid smoking and stay away from second-hand smoke, as it is the leading cause of lung cancer.
- Reduce exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, radon gas, and air pollution whenever possible.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to support overall lung health.
- Do not ignore symptoms like a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss.
- People at high risk, especially long-term smokers, should undergo regular screening and consult a Cancer Specialist for early detection.
Living with Lung Cancer: Coping Strategies and Support
- Follow your treatment plan and attend regular follow-up appointments with your cancer specialist.
- Eat a nutritious diet, stay physically active as advised, and get enough rest to support recovery.
- Seek emotional support from your family, friends, or cancer support groups to cope with stress and anxiety.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor without delay.
- Stay positive and work closely with your healthcare team to maintain the best possible quality of life throughout your treatment journey.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips After Lung Cancer Surgery
Post-surgery recovery requires attention to both body and mind:
- Eat small, frequent meals. Large meals can cause breathlessness.
- Include protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish, lentils, and paneer to support healing.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants.
- Stay well hydrated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
- Do breathing exercises as advised by your physiotherapist. They help rebuild lung capacity.
- Avoid smoky or polluted environments completely.
- Take short, regular walks to rebuild strength and improve lung function.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Chirag Bhirud without fail.
- Seek emotional support. A counsellor or support group can help greatly during recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Lung Cancer Treatment in Pune?
- 17+ Years of Experience in Thoracic Surgical Oncology — Dr. Chirag Bhirud is an MCh-qualified lung cancer specialist in Pune with over 17 years of experience treating all stages and types of lung cancer — from early-stage NSCLC to advanced metastatic disease
- National Award-Winning VATS Expertise — recipient of the Best Oral Paper Award at ISO 2019 for his research on 3D VATS Esophagectomy; Dr. Chirag Bhirud’s specific expertise in VATS and robotic-assisted lung surgery means patients benefit from smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery
- Advanced Robotic and Minimally Invasive Lung Surgery — fellowship-trained in robotic and laparoscopic surgical oncology, Dr. Chirag Bhirud uses the Da Vinci robotic system for complex lung resections — offering superior precision and significantly shorter hospital stays compared to open thoracic surgery
- Personalised, Mutation-Guided Treatment Planning — every patient receives a stage-specific, mutation-tested treatment plan; Dr. Chirag Bhirud coordinates with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists at Jupiter Hospital, Baner to deliver seamless multimodal care — including targeted therapy for EGFR and ALK-positive lung cancers
- 10,000+ Patients Treated, 95% Surgical Success Rate — practising at Jupiter Hospital, Baner and Cancer Care Clinic, Pimple Saudagar, Dr. Chirag Bhirud brings proven outcomes, research-driven care, and a compassionate patient-first approach to every consultation
Book an Appointment with Dr. Chirag Bhirud
If you have a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, or have been diagnosed with lung cancer, do not delay treatment. Book an Appointment with Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a trusted Lung Cancer Specialist in Pune, for accurate diagnosis and personalised cancer care. He offers advanced lung cancer treatment, including robotic and minimally invasive surgery, at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune. Call 7028373574 today to schedule your consultation.
FAQs about Lung Cancer Treatment in Pune:
The lung cancer cure rate depends heavily on the stage at diagnosis. For Stage 1 lung cancer, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 80-90% with surgery. For Stage 2 and 3, survival rates range from 30-60% with combined treatment. For Stage 4 (advanced) cancer, targeted therapies and immunotherapy are helping patients live longer than ever before. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Regular screening is strongly recommended for high-risk individuals.
Yes, non-smokers can develop lung cancer due to radon, pollution, or genetic factors.
Lung cancer happens when cells in the lungs develop genetic mutations that cause them to grow out of control. Smoking is responsible for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. Other causes include passive smoking, air pollution, radon gas, asbestos exposure, and hereditary genetic factors. Non-smokers can also develop lung cancer, often due to environmental exposure or gene mutations. Understanding why lung cancer happens helps in taking preventive action at the right time.
Some common symptoms include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unintentional weight loss. It is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Yes. Not all lung cancer patients require surgery. Depending on the stage and type, treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy — either alone or in combination. Dr. Chirag Bhirud evaluates each patient individually and recommends the most appropriate treatment. Some patients with early-stage cancer detected during screening may also be candidates for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), a highly precise non-surgical option.
Recovery after lung surgery typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Robotic and VATS procedures usually allow faster recovery — most patients are mobile within 24-48 hours. Full return to normal activities may take 2-3 months depending on the extent of surgery and individual health. Dr. Chirag Bhirud and his team provide a detailed post-operative care plan to ensure smooth and complete recovery.