Genetic mutations in the DNA of cells in the airways cause lung cancer. It’s tied to abnormal metabolism and energy synthesis that allows a malignant tumour to grow in the lungs. While smoking is a significant risk factor, exposure to other environmental toxins can also cause these mutations. The damaged cells multiply uncontrollably and form a tumour that can spread throughout the lung and metastasise to different parts of the body. In recent years, there has been an increase in lung cancer among never smokers.
Common lung cancer symptoms, such as cough, chest pain and shortness of breath, can be mistaken for other conditions, so early detection is crucial. As lung cancer progresses to more advanced stages, patients may experience more severe lung cancer symptoms like bone pain, neurological issues or unexplained weight loss, indicating the spread of the disease.
Lung cancer is a global health concern, one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide, with a high mortality rate despite treatment options. In Singapore, lung cancer is the 3rd most common cancer, with 13.7% of male and 7.7% of female cancer incidence.
Lung cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs.
While historically thought to affect only smokers, lung cancer rates among non-smokers, especially women of Asian descent, are increasing. This trend indicates that we need to screen beyond traditional high-risk groups, making early detection strategies for diverse populations crucial. Those with increased risk – smokers, environmental toxin exposure or family history of lung cancer – should consult a doctor for risk assessment and screening recommendations.
Early-stage lung cancer has no symptoms, so early diagnosis is challenging. Low-dose CT scans play a significant role in detecting lung tumours at an asymptomatic stage, allowing for more successful treatments.
There are two main types of lung cancer: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), each with distinct characteristics and prevalence rates. Cancer cells in the lungs can interfere with normal cells, affecting lung function and breathing. Identifying cancer cells in biopsy specimens is crucial for confirming a lung cancer diagnosis and planning treatment.
In small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the extensive stage refers to cases where the cancer has spread beyond one lung, affecting the other lung or other parts of the body. Involvement of nearby lymph nodes is essential for staging and treatment planning, as cancer can spread to these nodes during disease progression.
Common signs of lung cancer include a persistent cough that doesn’t go away, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), chest pain, shortness of breath (dyspnea), unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite. Lung cancer can be asymptomatic in its early stages, so early detection is tough. As the disease progresses, it may show symptoms.
Various tests and procedures are used to diagnose lung cancer, including imaging scans and biopsies, which are crucial for accurate detection and confirmation. This involves a combination of imaging tests, like chest X-rays and CT scans, followed by tissue biopsies to determine the type and stage of the cancer. Identifying cancer cells in tissue samples confirms a lung cancer diagnosis.
A needle biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses imaging guidance to obtain tissue samples from the lung or nearby lymph nodes for laboratory analysis. Tissue samples are important as laboratory analysis confirms the presence of cancer and helps identify the type. Lung function tests are also part of the pre-surgical assessment to evaluate a patient’s respiratory health and suitability for surgery. Other respiratory conditions can also cause these symptoms, so a professional medical evaluation is recommended.
In advanced stages, lung cancer may present additional symptoms:
Do note that the presence of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean lung cancer, but it warrants prompt medical attention. Early detection can impact lung cancer treatment options and outcomes. If you experience persistent respiratory symptoms or unexplained changes in your health, it’s best to consult a lung cancer doctor, specifically a medical oncologist, for a thorough evaluation and appropriate tests. Specialised lung clinics often have teams with clinical interests in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. And expert care from health professionals, as part of a multidisciplinary team, plays a significant role in the diagnosis, staging and treatment planning for lung cancer.
Lung cancer is a complex disease influenced by multiple genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. The leading cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking, which accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases worldwide. However, it’s important to recognise that non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to other risk factors. Exposure to secondhand smoke, inhaling radon gas and contact with carcinogens such as asbestos or certain industrial chemicals can all increase the risk of lung cancer.
Individuals with a family history of lung cancer or those who have had radiation therapy to the chest are also at higher risk. Certain chronic lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can further increase the risk. Knowing these risk factors is crucial for both prevention and early detection, enabling individuals and healthcare providers to identify those who may benefit from closer monitoring or early screening.
Lung cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted drug therapies with varying survival rates based on stage of diagnosis and individual factors. Choice of treatment for lung cancer depends on the type of cancer, stage and overall health of the patient.
At Neumark, Dr Harish Mithiran plans and reviews lung cancer consultations with his patients. Our private lung and chest surgical centre offers same-day consultations for all patients, whether private or referred by other doctors.
Neumark lung cancer specialists in Singapore can access urgent diagnostic investigations, including molecular and genetic marker tests, blood tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, biopsies and bronchoscopies. Through our affiliation with Gleneagles and Mount Alvernia hospitals, our patients have access to a team of highly qualified cancer specialists, including lung cancer doctors, surgeons and respiratory specialists, who all specialise in treating lung cancer.
Lung cancer can present in different stages. For Stages 1 and 2, the gold standard of lung cancer treatment is surgical intervention. Some advanced Stage 3 lung cancers can also be offered surgical resection upon evaluation.
As leaders in the thoracic surgical field, Neumark’s lung cancer specialists will develop an individual treatment plan for you to achieve the best possible clinical outcomes and involve you in all decisions about your lung cancer care. Diagnostic teams will perform all the necessary tests to establish a comprehensive diagnosis and recommend the best treatment modality for lung cancer intervention. Our team of experts – from specialist surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, respiratory doctors and specialist nurses – will involve you at every stage to ensure access to the latest advice and full support throughout your treatment and after-care.
Surgery for lung cancer can be approached in a minimally invasive way. Neumark surgeons do:
Preoperative assessments and risk management are essential for achieving optimal outcomes and ensuring patient safety during these surgical procedures.
These operations for a lung cancer cure remove a certain segment (segmentectomy), the entire lobe (lobectomy) or, in large tumours, the entire lung (pneumonectomy) and nearby lymph nodes if there is concern that the cancer has spread to them. Tissue samples from these lymph nodes are then sent to the laboratory to determine if the cancer has spread.
If lung cancer surgery is the right option for your condition, you will be in the hands of a highly experienced lung surgery team at Neumark that uses minimally invasive techniques to ensure a smooth recovery. For patients who are unfit for surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other targeted therapies may be alternatives.
After your lung cancer has been removed, we will schedule post-operative consultations to check on your functional health after lung cancer resection.
Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre benefits from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team led by lung cancer specialist Dr Harish Mithiran, senior consulting thoracic surgeon at Gleneagles and Mount Alvernia hospitals in Singapore, whose clinical interests include the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
Going through all the necessary tests can be stressful for anyone suspected of having cancer. Our team supports your lung treatment and recovery every step of the way.
Neumark is a lung cancer clinic in Singapore with access to the latest treatment modalities to achieve the best possible outcomes for lung disease and preventative patient screening. Our team comprises medical oncologists and other healthcare professionals who collaborate to plan and deliver comprehensive care. Let us treat your lung cancer in the best way possible. Book an appointment today.
A lung cancer diagnosis can be life-changing, bringing with it a range of emotions from shock and fear to uncertainty about the future. Patients need to have a strong support network, comprising family, friends and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals.
Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and thoracic surgeons work together as a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive lung cancer care, ensuring that every aspect of your treatment and well-being is addressed. Coping with lung cancer involves more than just medical treatment. Many patients find comfort and strength in counselling, support groups or connecting with others who have gone through similar challenges. Stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga and gentle exercise can help manage anxiety, depression and fatigue. Prioritising self-care through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and adequate rest can also support your body and mind during treatment.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Your multidisciplinary team is here to support you every step of the way, to help you navigate the challenges of lung cancer treatment in Singapore with compassion and expertise.
Lung cancer can spread at different rates depending on the type, location, stage and other factors. Generally speaking, lung cancer tends to spread early. Small cell lung (SCLC) cancer grows and spreads faster than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with around 70% of small cell lung cancers having already spread at the time of diagnosis. Without treatment, most people with small cell lung cancer die within 2-4 months. The average doubling time for non-small cell lung cancer has been reported to be 400 days, and for small cell lung cancer, 25-240 days. However, these are medians and can vary widely. Please note that these are based on studies and may not reflect the growth rate of every individual’s cancer. Book a consultation with our lung cancer specialists today to discuss diagnosis and treatment.
Choosing private lung cancer treatment has several benefits that can enhance your care and overall patient experience. Privatised lung cancer care often means quicker access to specialists, which means faster diagnosis and treatment. It also means you can choose your specialist or hospital, allowing for a more personalised care experience. Moreover, treatment involves a multidisciplinary team working together to create a personalised treatment plan, with you being actively engaged in the decision-making process. This means you have input on the tests and therapies used, making you an active participant in your care.
There are several types of treatment for lung cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of cancer and each patient’s overall health. Chemotherapy treats cancer by targeting and killing cancer cells and is usually administered through the blood vessels. Immunotherapy helps the immune system kill cancer cells and is often used when other treatments are not suitable or as part of a multimodal approach. Radiation therapy can kill cancer cells, and options like stereotactic body radiotherapy provide precise high-dose treatment for certain cases. In general, the goal of lung cancer treatment is to remove the cancerous cells or to ‘starve’ them with medication, radiation or other modalities. Some people with lung cancer may require multimodal therapy to achieve the best possible outcome. At the end stage, palliative treatment is used to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced lung cancer.
Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) can offer several benefits compared to the traditional surgical treatment of lung cancer, such as small incisions, improved precision and better visualisation of the surgical site. These advantages can result in less blood loss, fewer complications and faster recovery for the patient. RATS uses a robotic system with wristed instruments and offers a three-dimensional view, thereby achieving better precision and dexterity.
Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, also known as U-VATS, is a type of minimally invasive lung cancer procedure used to treat conditions affecting the chest, such as lung cancer and other lung diseases. U-VATS has several advantages over traditional open surgery, including a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery time, less pain and a smaller incision. A lung function test is an integral part of the pre-surgical assessment, evaluating a patient’s respiratory health and suitability for surgery.
Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of lung cancer treatment by Neumark lung cancer surgeons, including RATS and U-VATS procedures. However, coverage will vary depending on your Integrated Shield Plan with riders for private medical coverage or Corporate Insurance Plan, as well as the specific treatments you require. Check with your insurance provider to find out what is covered under your plan, or contact our clinic to discuss how we work with insurance providers to process your medical claim.
There are two main types of lung cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type, stage and overall health. Therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The proper treatment is chosen after a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The use of this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship and no medical advice should be inferred or assumed. It is the user’s sole responsibility to seek the advice of their healthcare professionals for any medical concerns they may have and the user should not disregard, or delay, prompt medical advice for any such condition.
Neumark Lung and Chest Surgery Centre benefits from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Harish Mithiran, senior consulting thoracic surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital and Mt Alvernia Hospital.
Neumark is a lung and chest specialist centre with access to leading treatment modalities to achieve the best possible outcomes for lung disease and preventative patient screening.
Our foremost priority is to treat your condition as effectively as possible. Schedule a private consultation today; complete the form below, call, +65 6908 2145; WhatsApp, +65 9726 2485; or email, info@neumarksurgery.com.
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Main Surgery Centre
6 Napier Rd
#02-09 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
820 Thomson Road
#06-07 Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre A
Singapore 574623
Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre benefits from the expertise of a multidisciplinary surgical team led by Dr Harish Mithiran, a senior consulting thoracic surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital.
With access to leading minimally-invasive treatment modalities for lung disease and chest conditions, our specialists in Singapore work to achieve the best possible outcomes for lung disease. Our foremost priority is to treat your condition as effectively as possible with world-class care.
6 Napier Road
#02-09 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
820 Thomson Road
#06-07 Medical Centre A
Singapore 574623
© 2025 Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre Pte. Ltd. | UEN 202136971R
Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road
#02-09 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road
#06-07 Medical Centre A
Singapore 574623
