Lung cancer is uncontrolled proliferation of cells in lung tissue, with potential invasion and metastasis. In Ayurveda it is correlated with Phuphphusa Arbuda (lung tumour) and advanced Kasa–Shwasa vyadhi with Arbuda formation. It arises from prolonged kapha–rakta–meda dushti, srotorodha, and exposure to dhuma (smoke) and visha (toxins).

"धूमात् क्षतात् कफप्रकोपात् कासश्वासो जायते। दीर्घकालेऽथ अर्बुदं भवति।"
(सुश्रुत चिकित्सा ३३, टीका)

Charaka and Sushruta describe Arbuda as a firm, non-suppurative swelling caused by tridoṣa aggravation, especially Kapha and Meda. When occurring in the Uras (chest), it may obstruct pranavaha srotas producing cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis. Modern risk factors like tobacco smoke, air pollution, occupational exposure (asbestos, radon, silica), and genetic mutations align with Ayurvedic descriptions of dhūma-sevana and visha exposure as nidānas for Kasa–Shwasa leading to Arbuda.

• Ati-snigdha, guru, abhishyandi ahara — produces Kapha accumulation in pranavaha srotas.

  "गुरुस्निग्धाभ्यवहारात् कफो वर्धते"
  (चरक सूत्र २१)

• Dhuma–sevita ahara — smoked/charred foods, tobacco inhalation.
• Ati-madyapāna — alcohol weakens rakta and increases susceptibility.
• Viruddha–ahara — incompatible diet producing āma and rakta dushti.

• Dhuma sevana (smoking, environmental smoke) — classical nidāna and modern leading cause (tobacco carcinogens).
• Ativata sevana — chronic exposure to cold wind and polluted air aggravates Vata–Kapha.
• Occupational hazards — exposure to asbestos, radon, silica, benzene (modern causes).
• Avyayama + Diwaswapna — inactivity promoting Kapha stagnation.
• Manasika hetu — chinta (stress), krodha (anger), duḥkha weakening ojas and immunity.

Chronic nidāna like dhūma sevana → Kapha + Vata prakopa in pranavaha srotas → āma formation and srotorodha in phuphphusa → granthi/arbuda formation. Progressive dhatu dushti (rakta, mamsa, meda) and ojas kshaya cause local proliferation and systemic wasting. Modern pathogenesis: mutations in oncogenes (EGFR, KRAS), tumor suppressors (TP53), angiogenesis, metastasis.

"कफवाताभ्यां प्रेरितः श्लेष्मणा पूरितः स्रवः। फुफ्फुसस्थोऽर्बुदं कुर्यात्"
(अष्टाङ्गसंग्रह)

Classical: Clinical features of chronic Kasa–Shwasa with localized chest arbuda. Modern: Chest X-ray, CT thorax, bronchoscopy, biopsy (gold standard), PET-CT for staging, tumor markers (EGFR, ALK, PD-L1).

• Chronic cough (Kasa)
• Breathlessness on exertion (Shwasa)
• Heaviness in chest
• Voice change, mild hemoptysis
• Lethargy, weight loss

• Chronic cough (Kasa)
• Hemoptysis (Rakta yukta Kasa)
• Breathlessness (Shwasa)
• Chest pain and heaviness
• Hoarseness/voice change
• Loss of appetite (Aruchi)
• Weight loss and cachexia
• Fatigue and weakness (Daurbalya)
• Finger clubbing (Nakh parivartana)
• Metastatic bone pain / organ symptoms

• Persistent cough with blood-stained sputum
• Chest pain, dyspnea at rest
• Clubbing of nails
• Cachexia, anorexia
• Metastatic signs — bone pain, liver enlargement

"कासः रक्तयुक्तः श्वासः स्थौल्यं च फुफ्फुसार्बुदे"
(माधवनिदान)

• Kaphaja Phuphphusa Arbuda — chronic, mucus predominant, slow progression.
• Vataja — painful, dry cough, rapid wasting.
• Pittaja — hemoptysis, fever, inflammation.
• Modern: NSCLC (adenocarcinoma, squamous), SCLC (neuroendocrine, aggressive).

• Metastasis — bone, liver, brain
• Pleural effusion
• Respiratory failure
• Cachexia, anemia

Early, localized (stage I–II, non-metastatic) may be sadhya/krichra-sadhya with integrative treatment. Advanced, metastatic (stage III–IV) considered asadhya in both Ayurveda and modern medicine; focus on palliation and quality-of-life.

• Principles: Nidana parivarjana, Kapha-Vata shamana, srotoshodhana, rasayana, local arbuda management.
• Panchakarma:
  • Virechana — for Pitta-Rakta dushti with hemoptysis.
  • Basti — for Vata-Kapha regulation and systemic balance.
  • Nasya — for uras-gata Kapha-vata involvement.
• Herbal medicines:
  • Haridra, Tulasi, Kantakari — anti-kapha, anti-inflammatory.
  • Arjuna — hridya + rasayana, helpful in cardiopulmonary support.
  • Guduchi, Ashwagandha — rasayana, adaptogen, immunity booster.
  • Guggulu yogas — lekhana & anti-inflammatory.
  • Classical: Kanakasava, Vasavaleha (for kasa-shwasa).
• External therapies: Abhyanga with lekhana oils, Swedana to clear kapha.
• Modern integrative: Surgery (lobectomy, pneumonectomy), Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Immunotherapy/Targeted therapy (EGFR, ALK inhibitors) — to be combined with Ayurvedic rasayana and supportive care.
• Pathya: Laghu, ushna, tikta–katu ahara, green vegetables, warm decoctions.
• Apathya: Smoking, alcohol, cold drinks, heavy fried foods.
• Yoga & Lifestyle:
  • Pranayama: Anuloma-viloma, Bhramari, Kapalabhati (mild).
  • Asanas: Bhujangasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Gomukhasana.
  • Mudra: Prana Mudra, Apana Vayu Mudra (cardiopulmonary support).
  • Mantra: Mahamrityunjaya Japa for mental strength and healing.

• Laghu, ushna, tikta–katu ahara
• Soup of green leafy vegetables
• Warm water with turmeric
• Daily gentle pranayama

• Tobacco, smoking
• Alcohol
• Cold, oily, heavy foods
• Day-sleep

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, strongly linked to smoking and environmental toxins. Histologically divided into small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Symptoms: persistent cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, weight loss. Risk factors: tobacco, radon, asbestos, air pollution, genetic mutations. Standard care: surgery, chemo, radiation, immunotherapy. Ayurveda offers adjuvant rasayana, immune support, symptom control, and improved quality of life.

• Chest X-ray
• CT thorax
• Bronchoscopy + biopsy (gold standard)
• PET-CT for staging
• Tumor markers (EGFR, ALK, PD-L1)