Though most lung infections could be misdiagnosed as TB, at times doctors miss a large mass-like shadow on the lungs with seizure, respiratory failure and rapid deterioration, and cancer. There are devastating delay in cancer diagnosis, and this delay could prove to be fatal.
Scanning can show large masses in the lung and legions in the brain. Pleural fluids can be tested to identify the type of cancer. Genetic tests could be run to look for mutations. There could be ALK-positive lung cancer. These occur in 3-7 per cent of lung adenocarcinomas in India.
ALK mutations respond well to targeted oral therapies. A pathway of mutated gene could be blocked by a pill. The oxygen requirements reduce. The patient could be off a ventilator soon. There is a dramatic turnaround in targeted therapies.
Three months later, PET scan can show a complete response. Cancer can be controlled. This is precision oncology.
With access to molecular testing, treatment can be personalized instead of relying on chemotherapy.
Leave a Reply