Sharmila Tagore diagnosed with stage zero lung cancer, not undergoing chemotherapy
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Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore was recently diagnosed with stage zero lung cancer, a revelation made by her daughter Soha Ali Khan.
Fortunately, the cancerous cells were removed at a very early stage, and she did not require chemotherapy, allowing her to return to normal life post-treatment.
Stage zero lung cancer, also known as carcinoma in situ, is the earliest detectable form of non-small cell lung cancer.
According to Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi, this stage is confined to the lung lining and hasn’t penetrated the basal membrane - a barrier that separates different tissue layers. Since the disease hasn’t become invasive, the chances of full recovery are high, reported The Indian Express.
This early stage of lung cancer is difficult to catch, as it typically shows no symptoms. Only 1 to 2 percent of lung cancer cases are identified this early, usually discovered accidentally during tests for unrelated respiratory issues or chronic conditions like COPD.
Occasionally, there may be minor symptoms such as blood in sputum, but common lung cancer signs like persistent coughing or chest pain are often absent. Interestingly, some cases came to light during the COVID-19 pandemic, when older individuals underwent extensive medical evaluations.
The primary treatment for stage zero lung cancer involves surgical removal of the affected part of the lung, often through a lobectomy - removal of one of the lung’s lobes. Post-surgery, the remaining lung tissue typically adapts and expands to compensate.
At this stage, chemotherapy and targeted drug therapies are not required, and most patients return to their regular routines without major physical restrictions.
While recovery chances are excellent, there remains a 10–15% risk of relapse. Additionally, having stage zero lung cancer can increase the likelihood of developing a different, unrelated cancer in the lungs or elsewhere in the body. As a result, consistent health monitoring and regular screenings are essential.