HomeAnswersMedical oncologycough

What are the treatment options for a lung lesion in my father?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My father is a 65-year-old male with a long history of smoking. Recently, he started having a persistent cough, hoarseness of voice, and loss of appetite. He also complains of pain in the chest, which increases while coughing. His CT scan report mentioned a possible mass lesion in the upper lobe of the lung. We are very scared and waiting for the biopsy result. If it turns out to be lung cancer, how do doctors decide on the stage and treatment options? Is surgery possible at this age, or are only chemotherapy and radiation used?

Thanks.
Answered by Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Symptoms such as persistent cough, hoarseness of voice, chest pain while coughing, and loss of appetite in someone with a long smoking history do require careful evaluation. A CT (computed tomography) scan showing a possible mass in the lung means doctors need to confirm the exact nature of the lesion, and the biopsy you are waiting for is the correct next step. Only a biopsy can confirm whether it is lung cancer or another condition. If the biopsy confirms lung cancer, the next step doctors take is staging.

Staging means determining how large the tumor is and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This is usually done using CT scans, sometimes PET (positron emission tomography) scans, and occasionally other tests depending on the situation. The stage helps doctors decide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Regarding treatment, age alone does not prevent surgery. I have treated patients in their late 60s and even 70s who successfully underwent lung cancer surgery when the disease was detected at an early stage, and their general health and lung function were adequate.

If the tumor is localized and the patient is fit for surgery, removing that portion of the lung can be the best treatment option. If the cancer is more advanced or surgery is not suitable, doctors may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

The final treatment decision depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, lung function, and the specific type of lung cancer found on biopsy.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 20, 2026
Reviewed At March 23, 2026

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja
Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer - An Overview

Child Cough - Things to Know as a Parent

Biopsy report shows carcinoma of urinary bladder. Please suggest a treatment.

Lung Biopsy - Types, Uses, Instructions to Follow, and Risk Factors

Chemotherapy and Blood Cancer

Allergy Cough: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

coughchemotherapybiopsy

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Medical oncology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.