Talegaon doctors have given a 63-year-old man battling advanced lung cancer a new lease of life with timely treatment. Struggling with severe breathlessness, constant cough, and swelling over the body, his condition had progressed to a stage where even basic daily activities became difficult.
The doctors used advanced radiation therapy to help alleviate his symptoms and improve his overall condition, highlighting the impact of precision-based cancer care in critical cases.
The patient, who is a resident of Talegaon, had been silently battling worsening breathlessness, a persistent cough, puffiness of the face, and swelling across his body for three weeks. At his age, even simple daily activities became exhausting, and his condition gradually took a toll on his strength and independence. His symptoms worsened and began to severely affect his quality of life. The patient went to various physicians and nearby hospitals, but none were able to relieve his symptoms. However, he approached TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre for treatment.
Dr. Abhishek Purkayastha, consultant radiation oncologist at the hospital said, “The patient came to us in a critical state with severe breathlessness, persistent cough, and visible swelling of the face and whole body, all of which are signs of advanced lung cancer. He underwent a CT scan of the chest, which revealed a large mass in the upper lobe of the right lung measuring 10.4 x 9.3 x 8.5 cm. The tumour had spread to the right upper lobe bronchus, nearby airway structures, and the superior vena cava, causing significant compression and leading to his distressing symptoms. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Considering the advanced stage of the disease and the patient’s fragile condition, a decision was made to initiate radiation therapy to provide symptomatic relief and control disease progression. The patient required urgent medical attention, as any delay in treatment could have led to serious, life-threatening complications. Locally advanced lung cancers can lead to airway blockage, reduced oxygen levels, and compression of major blood vessels, affecting the patient’s quality of life. Early diagnosis and timely medical intervention play a very important role in managing these cases and preventing further complications.”
Dr Purkayastha further added, “The patient was treated using Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), delivering 40 Gray radiation in 16 fractions. This advanced technique allows us to deliver highly precise radiation to the tumour through 360-degree rotating arc method while protecting surrounding vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. The patient showed a very good response to the treatment, with complete relief from breathlessness, cough, and swelling. He required 16 sessions, and follow-up scans showed a reduction in the size of the tumor. Such advanced radiation technologies have made it possible to manage even complex and advanced cancers more effectively, improving survival for patients.”
“I was constantly struggling to breathe, and even simple activities felt exhausting. After the treatment, my body swelling has reduced, I feel much better, and can breathe comfortably again. I am truly grateful to Dr Abhishek Purkayastha and his team for their timely care and support,” concluded the patient.
