Lung cancer is one of the most common and severe forms of cancer. So, it requires specialized care for effective treatment.
In Singapore, there are several highly skilled lung cancer specialists who provide comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. Learn more.
Here’s the snag; not every person who calls themselves a lung cancer specialist in Singapore is reliable. If you’re keen to improve your treatment outcomes and quality of life, you will want to ensure that you choose the right lung cancer specialist. There is no other way around it.
What Qualifications Should You Look for in a Lung Cancer Specialist?
When selecting a lung cancer specialist, it’s important to ensure they have the right qualifications and experience to provide the highest standard of care. It isn’t wise to simply search, ‘lung cancer specialist near me, Singapore’ and then right away schedule treatment with the name that pops up first on your screen. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Medical Training and Certification: A reputable lung cancer specialist should be board-certified in oncology or a related field, such as respiratory medicine or thoracic surgery. This means they have undergone extensive medical training and are qualified to diagnose and treat lung cancer. Ensure they are licensed by Singapore’s Ministry of Health and affiliated with a recognized medical institution.
- Expertise in Lung Cancer Treatment: Look for a specialist with a proven track record of treating lung cancer specifically. Oncology is a vast field, and specialists who focus on lung cancer tend to have the most relevant knowledge and experience. This includes familiarity with the latest research, treatment protocols, and innovations in the field.
- Communication Skills and Compassion: The ability to communicate effectively and compassionately is crucial when dealing with a serious diagnosis like lung cancer. A skilled specialist should be able to explain complex treatment options in simple terms. They should also be able to effortlessly discuss potential outcomes, and offer emotional support throughout the process.
What Treatment Options Do the Best Lung Cancer Specialists Offer?
Lung cancer treatment can be complex. There are varied approaches depending on the cancer type, its stage, and the overall health of the patient. Here are the main treatment options a good lung cancer specialist in Singapore will consider:
- Surgery: For early-stage lung cancer, surgery may be the best option. Surgical procedures such as lobectomy (removal of part of the lung) or pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung) are commonly performed. The goal is to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue to eliminate cancerous cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is often used for advanced stages of lung cancer or when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It is typically used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy, especially in patients who cannot undergo surgery due to health issues. It may also be used as a palliative measure to relieve symptoms in advanced-stage cancer.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies involve drugs designed to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer. These therapies can be particularly effective in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which makes up the majority of lung cancer cases.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by stimulating the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is an exciting and evolving area of treatment, that offers new hope for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer. In advanced stages of lung cancer, palliative care may also be recommended. It’s different from immunotherapy as it focuses on improving the quality of life by managing symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It can be combined with other treatments to provide comprehensive care.
How Do Specialists Manage Early-Stage vs. Advanced Lung Cancer?
Managing lung cancer differs greatly depending on whether the disease is diagnosed early or in an advanced stage. Early detection often leads to better treatment outcomes and can significantly affect the treatment approach.
In the early stages, the cancer is usually localized to the lung and hasn’t spread to other organs. Your lung cancer specialist in Singapore will most likely recommend surgical removal of the tumor, particularly if the cancer is confined to one lobe of the lung.
A lung cancer specialist may also recommend chemotherapy or radiation to reduce the risk of recurrence. When lung cancer has spread to other organs, the treatment focus shifts.
Surgery is generally not an option unless the cancer is resectable or if it is causing symptoms like fluid buildup in the chest. For advanced stages, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy are more commonly used.
The goal is not always to cure but to manage the disease, alleviate symptoms, and prolong life. In both early and advanced stages, a lung cancer specialist will work closely with a team of healthcare providers to manage your overall health and develop an individualized treatment plan.
How Do Personalized Treatment Plans Work for Lung Cancer?
Personalized treatment plans helps ensure the best care possible to lung cancer patients. These plans are tailored to the individual, taking into account various factors like cancer type, stage, genetics, and overall health.
To develop a personalized treatment plan, your lung cancer specialist will begin with thoroughly assessing your medical history, genetic factors, and lifestyle. For instance, if a genetic mutation is detected in the cancer cells, the specialist may choose specific targeted therapies that work against that mutation.
Importantly, personalized treatment takes into consideration factors like your age, pre-existing health conditions, and response to previous treatments. Immunotherapy and targeted therapies, which are often based on genetic markers, are an excellent example of personalized treatment.
These therapies are particularly effective in patients whose tumors have specific genetic alterations that make them more susceptible to these treatments. Throughout the treatment process, the specialist will continuously monitor your patient’s progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with early-stage or advanced lung cancer, a skilled lung cancer specialist will develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs. If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer, don’t wait.
Find a good lung specialist in Singapore today to begin treatment. Early treatment can make all the difference in your prognosis and quality of life. Schedule an appointment with a skilled provider in Singapore below;
International Centre for Thoracic Surgery – Robotic Lung Surgery | Lung Cancer Treatment Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road, Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
Irrawaddy Rd, #10 38, Singapore 329563
+65 6591 8801
