Mapping the Burden of Lung Cancer: Sociodemographic and Clinicopathological insights from a Tertiary care Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Ver.8.19s.187-193Keywords:
Non Small Cell Lung cancer; Smoking exposure; Molecular profiling; EGFR Mutations, Diagnostic yield.Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with its burden influenced by sociodemographic factors, lifestyle patterns, and clinicopathological diversity. Understanding disease characteristics within regional healthcare settings is essential for improving early diagnosis and optimizing treatment strategies.
OBJECTIVES: To map the burden of lung cancer by analyzing its sociodemographic, clinical, pathological, and radiological patterns among patients attending a tertiary care hospital.
METHODS: A one-year hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital (Nov 2024–Nov 2025). Adults (≥18 years) with clinically, radiologically, and histopathologically confirmed lung cancer who consented were included. Demographic, clinical, exposure, radiological, histopathological, staging, metastatic, and molecular data (ALK, EGFR, PD-L1) were collected using a structured proforma. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20.0; continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD or median (IQR), categorical variables as percentages, and associations assessed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, t-test, or Mann–Whitney U test, with p < 0.05 considered significant
RESULTS: Among 54 lung cancer patients, most were older males with significant smoking or biomass exposure. Cough and dyspnea were the most common symptoms, and primary lung cancer accounted for 85.2% of cases, predominantly peripheral and presenting as mass lesions. Image-guided and thoracoscopic biopsies showed superior diagnostic yield. Adenocarcinoma was the leading subtype (56.5%), and most NSCLC cases were diagnosed at advanced stages. Metastasis commonly involved the contralateral lung and pleura. EGFR mutations were frequent (40.9%), while ALK and ROS1 alterations were uncommon, with actionable mutations more prevalent in females.
CONCLUSION: Lung cancer in this cohort was predominantly advanced-stage adenocarcinoma linked to smoking and biomass exposure. High diagnostic yield from image-guided procedures and a notable EGFR mutation rate highlight the importance of early detection and routine molecular testing to guide targeted treatment. Strengthening awareness and timely access to diagnostic care may further improve outcomes.
