Case Study Dr Abhishek Purkayastha
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- Case Study Dr Abhishek Purkayastha
A 63 years old male presented with complaints of puffiness of face and generalized swelling over body associated with severe breathlessness and persistent cough (Figure 1).
CT scan chest showed a large mass lesion upper lobe right lung measuring 10.4 x 9.3 x 8.5 cm with significant obliteration of right upper lobe bronchus, nearby airway structures and superior vena cava (Figure 2).
CT guided biopsy from the lung mass revealed Poorly Differentiated Adenocarcinoma. In view of his deteriorating general condition, he was planned for high palliation with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) radiation therapy technique to hypo-fractionated dose of 40 Gray in 16 fractions (Figure 3).
VMAT is the most advanced conventional radiation therapy technique available which delivers highly conformal and precise tumoricidal radiation to the tumor through 360-degree rotating arc method while avoiding critical nearby organs like heart, great vessels, respiratory structure and esophagus. Patient tolerated radiation therapy very well and after completion of his radiation therapy he showed complete resolution of his breathlessness, cough, facial and body swelling (Figure 4).
CT scan chest done after completion of radiation therapy showed significant reduction in the lung mass (Figure 5).
The patient and his relatives were very happy after radiation therapy and expressed their gratitude. This case showcases the importance of early cancer detection, and prompt initiation of required treatment. This case also highlights the effectiveness of highly conformal radiation therapy like VMAT / Helical Image Guided Radiation Therapy (H-IGRT) in treating life threatening conditions like lung cancers and also of various types of cancers.