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Review
. 2023 Jan-Feb;40(1):48-58.
doi: 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_144_22.

Navigating patient journey in early diagnosis of lung cancer in India

Bivas Biswas  1 , Deepak Talwar  2 , Priti Meshram  3 , Pramod K Julka  4 , Anurag Mehta  5 , S P Somashekhar  6 , Srinivas Chilukuri  7 , Abhishek Bansal  8
Affiliations
Review

Navigating patient journey in early diagnosis of lung cancer in India

Bivas Biswas et al. Lung India. 2023 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. In India, the incidence of LC is increasing rapidly, and a majority of the patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease when treatment is less likely to be effective. Recent therapeutic developments have significantly improved survival outcomes in patients with LC. Prompt specialist referral remains critical for early diagnosis for improved patient survival. In the Indian scenario, distinguishing LC from benign and endemic medical conditions such as tuberculosis can pose a challenge. Hence, awareness regarding the red flags-signs and symptoms that warrant further investigations and referral-is vital. This review is an effort toward encouraging general physicians to maintain a high index of clinical suspicion for those at risk of developing LC and assisting them in refering patients with concerning symptoms to specialists or multidisciplinary teams as early as possible.

Keywords: Early diagnosis; general practice; incidental pulmonary nodule; lung cancer; patient navigation; policy consideration; red flags; referral pathway; screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

None

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Referral pattern in lung cancer. AFB, Acid-fast bacillus; AI, Artificial intelligence; ATT, Anti-tuberculosis treatment; CT, Computed tomography; CXR, Chest X-ray; Genxpert, Cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test; PCP, Primary care physician; TB, Tuberculosis. formula image: Differential diagnosis; formula image: Actionable: formula image: Expert opinion; formula image: opportunity; formula image: Alternate action pathway; formula image: referral. *malignancy, if detected at any step, should be referred to MDT for further action
Figure 2
Figure 2
Multidisciplinary team care of patient with lung cancer
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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