Lung Cancer Treatment in India – Advanced Surgery, VATS & Robotic Options
Comprehensive lung cancer care for international patients including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. VRH Healthcare facilitates expert oncology opinions, hospital comparison, and transparent cost planning.
Verified Hospitals
JCI & NABH Accredited Centres only.
Zero Wait Time
Priority appointments for international patients.
What is Lung Cancer Treatment in India?
Lung cancer treatment in India involves a multidisciplinary oncology approach combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy depending on cancer stage and tumour biology. Surgical treatment is most commonly recommended for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and selected stage III cases where complete tumour removal is feasible.
Advanced surgical options in India include Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS), which allow minimally invasive tumour removal with reduced pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery compared to traditional open thoracotomy.
Treatment planning is based on TNM staging, PET-CT imaging, biopsy results, molecular profiling (EGFR, ALK, PD-L1), pulmonary function testing, and overall medical fitness.
For international patients, India offers experienced thoracic oncology teams, internationally accredited cancer centres, and significantly lower lung cancer treatment cost compared to the USA, UK, and Gulf countries while maintaining strong survival outcomes.
VRH Healthcare is not a hospital. We act as an independent medical facilitator, helping patients obtain expert oncology opinions, compare leading cancer centres, and receive transparent cost estimates before travelling.
Types / Variants of Lung Cancer Surgery
Lobectomy
Removal of an entire lobe of the lung, common for larger or centrally located tumours.
Pneumonectomy
Surgical removal of an entire lung, typically for extensive or very large tumours.
Segmentectomy / Wedge Resection
Removal of a smaller section of the lung, preserving more healthy tissue for smaller tumours.
Sleeve Resection
Removal of a section of the main airway (bronchus) and rejoining the ends.
Lymph Node Dissection
Removal of lymph nodes around the lung to check for cancer spread and improve staging.
Your surgeon explains why a particular approach is recommended for you.
Technology & Techniques
In India, Lung Cancer Surgery may be performed using:
Benefits
- Potential for complete tumour removal and cure in early stages.
- Improved long-term survival rates for suitable candidates.
- Relief from cancer-related symptoms like pain or breathing difficulties.
- Accurate staging of the cancer, guiding further treatment decisions.
- Minimally invasive options offer faster recovery and less pain.
Limitations
- Significant surgical procedure with inherent risks like bleeding or infection.
- Potential for complications such as air leaks, pneumonia, or heart issues.
- Recovery can be lengthy, requiring dedicated rehabilitation and follow-up.
- Not suitable for all patients, especially those with advanced or widespread cancer.
- May impact lung function, leading to shortness of breath in some cases.
Diagnostics & Pre-Arrival Work-Up
Pre-Arrival & Travel Checklist
How the Procedure is Done (Step-by-Step)
Pre-operative Preparation
Before surgery, you will undergo final evaluations, including blood tests and imaging. The surgical team will discuss the procedure and answer any questions.
Anaesthesia and Incision
General anaesthesia is administered. The surgeon makes an incision, which can be a larger open cut (thoracotomy) or smaller keyhole incisions for minimally invasive approaches.
Tumour Resection
The cancerous part of the lung (lobe, segment, or entire lung) is carefully removed. Surrounding lymph nodes are also typically removed for staging.
Closure and Recovery
Chest drains are inserted to remove fluid and air. Incisions are closed, and you are moved to a recovery area for close monitoring as you wake from anaesthesia.
Top Specialists for Oncology
Prof. (Dr.) Atul Sharma
Oncology
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Prof. Atul Sharma, a leading medical oncologist with 27+ years of experience, former AIIMS Professor, specializes in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.
Dr. Priya Tiwari
Oncology
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
Dr. Priya Tiwari, AIIMS-trained medical oncologist and gold medalist, specializes in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram.
Dr. Amal Roy Chaudhoory
Oncology
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
Dr. Amal Roy Chaudhoory, Director of Radiation Oncology at Fortis Hospital, Gurugram with 23+ years expertise in precision radiotherapy and cancer care.
Dr. Abhishek Gulia
Oncology
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida
Dr. Abhishek Gulia, Harvard-trained Director of Radiation Oncology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, specializes in SRS/SBRT and precision cancer care with 17+ years of experience.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jain
Oncology
BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jain, Senior Surgical Oncologist at BLK-Max Delhi with 32+ years’ experience, specializes in complex cancer surgeries and advanced oncology procedures.
Dr. Priyanka Raina
Oncology
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
Dr. Priyanka Raina, Head & Neck Oncologist at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram with 15+ years expertise in oral, thyroid & skull base cancer surgery and microvascular reconstruction.
Dr. Parveen Yadav
Oncology
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
Dr. Parveen Yadav, leading thoracic oncologist at Artemis Gurugram with 17+ years’ experience in lung & esophageal cancer surgery and minimally invasive VATS.
Dr. Tapan Singh Chauhan
Oncology
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
Dr. Tapan Singh Chauhan, Surgical Oncologist at Artemis Gurugram, specializes in GI, HPB, robotic oncology, CRS & HIPEC with advanced global training.
Dr. Manish Jain
Oncology
BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Manish Jain, leading GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in Delhi, specializes in robotic GI cancer surgery, HIPEC & advanced minimally invasive cancer treatments.
Dr. Ankit Jain
Oncology
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Ankit Jain, UK-trained Medical Oncologist at Apollo Delhi, expert in Immunotherapy & Precision Oncology. 25+ years experience. Consult through VRH Healthcare.
Dr. Prof. S.V.S. Deo
Oncology
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Dr. Prof. S.V.S. Deo is a senior surgical oncologist in Delhi with 35+ years experience. Expert in breast cancer, GI cancer, HIPEC & complex oncology surgery.
Dr. P. K. Das
Oncology
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. P. K. Das, is a senior medical oncologist and haemato-oncologist at Apollo Cancer Institute, Delhi, with 21+ years’ experience in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and blood cancer care.
Dr Vikas Dua
Oncology
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
Dr Vikas Dua is a leading pediatric bone marrow transplant specialist at Fortis Gurgaon with 20+ years’ experience and 1,200+ successful transplants.
Expected Outcomes & What Success Means
Recovery & Follow-Up Timeline
Fitness to fly and activity limits are centre-specific.
How Quickly Can I Start?
Second Opinion
12-48 hours
Typically received after sharing medical reports.
Scheduling
1-2 working days
Depending upon the availability of the specialist
Visa & Travel
1-3 weeks
Processing time for medical visa and travel arrangements.
Pre-Surgery Evaluation
2-5 days
On-ground diagnostics and fitness-for-surgery assessments.
Costs & What Affects Your Estimate
This page provides an overview of typical costs and influencing factors. A personalised cost estimate is shared after a medical review of your reports—please contact us to request your individual estimate.
How VRH Healthcare Helps
VRH Healthcare is not a hospital. We act as your medical facilitation and patient-navigation partner, helping you make informed decisions and move smoothly through care in India.
International Patient Services
Your Care Journey with VRH
A simplified step-by-step guide to your treatment experience.
Share medical reports
Receive an expert second opinion and indicative estimate
Plan travel, visa, and appointments
Treatment with on-ground coordination
Discharge and ongoing tele-follow-ups
Share medical reports
Receive an expert second opinion and indicative estimate
Plan travel, visa, and appointments
Treatment with on-ground coordination
Discharge and ongoing tele-follow-ups
Where We Serve: Countries We Support
Middle East
Language support, visa assistance, and coordinated care planning for lung cancer treatment.
Africa
Support for diagnostics review, travel planning, and post-treatment follow-up.
Central Asia & CIS
Interpretation services and hospital coordination for surgical care.
South Asia
Quick access to opinions, scheduling, and continuity of care.
U.K. & USA
Second opinions, cost-sensitive planning, and post-return tele-follow-ups.
Other Countries
Customised support based on individual travel and care needs.