Lung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the fastest growing incidence and mortality rates, posing a significant threat to public health. Over the past 50 years, many countries have reported a noticeable increase in both the incidence and mortality of lung cancer. For men, lung cancer ranks first in incidence and mortality among all malignant tumors, while for women, it ranks second in both categories. The exact cause of lung cancer is still unclear, but extensive data indicates a strong link between long-term heavy smoking and the development of lung cancer.
The treatment for lung cancer should be based on identifying its pathological type and clinical stage, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's overall condition. Various treatment methods should be used in combination to alleviate symptoms, improve survival rates, and extend the patient's life expectancy. Small-cell lung cancer tends to metastasize early and mainly relies on chemotherapy or radiotherapy, while non-small-cell lung cancer is often treated surgically, combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
02 What types of lung cancer patients are suitable for surgery?
With the advancement of modern medical science, our understanding of lung cancer has deepened, recognizing it not just as a localized disease but as a systemic one. The treatment principle has evolved from simple surgical resection to a multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment approach. The concept of surgery-based multidisciplinary treatment is gradually gaining acceptance among clinical physicians. Since early-stage lung cancer often shows no obvious symptoms, most patients are already in the advanced stages of the disease by the time they are diagnosed, thus missing the opportunity for curative surgery. Therefore, after diagnosis, a thorough examination of the patient’s overall condition and tumor stage is crucial to determine whether surgery is feasible.
As previously mentioned, lung cancer is staged. In simple terms, if lung cancer is entirely localized within the lung and no lymph node metastasis is detected, it is classified as stage I. If lymph node metastasis has occurred but is confined to the lung or the lung hilum, it is stage II. If metastasis has spread to the mediastinal lymph nodes, it is classified as stage III. The decision on whether lung cancer can be surgically removed is mainly based on the stage of the cancer. Generally speaking, surgical treatment is suitable for patients with stage I, II, and some stage III lung cancers. If the tumor is confined to one side of the chest and can be fully removed through thoracotomy, surgery should be considered.
Another key factor in determining whether surgery is possible is the patient’s overall physical condition, including common conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. A comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general condition is necessary to predict their tolerance to surgery, with lung function being the most important factor. The surgical principle for lung cancer is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving as much lung function as possible.
03 Is lung cancer surgery dangerous?
With the continuous development of medical science and technology, the risks associated with lung cancer surgery are gradually decreasing. Mortality rates during hospitalization for lung cancer surgery vary between hospitals. The risks of lung cancer surgery are related to the size of the tumor, the type of surgery, the amount of lung tissue removed, the patient’s overall physical condition, the presence of comorbidities (such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease), the surgeon's skill level, and the overall medical standards of the hospital.
Before surgery, the doctor will explain the risks and potential situations to the patient and their family based on the patient's specific condition. As a patient, it's important to remain confident and approach surgery with optimism. Based on years of clinical experience, a patient's courage and confidence are key factors in overcoming illness.
Of course, a small number of patients may experience complications or difficulties during recovery after surgery, leading to anxiety for both the patient and their family. However, patients should trust that doctors and nurses will do their best. It is essential for the patient to maintain confidence, actively cooperate with treatment and care, and believe in a swift recovery.
The treatment for lung cancer should be based on identifying its pathological type and clinical stage, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's overall condition. Various treatment methods should be used in combination to alleviate symptoms, improve survival rates, and extend the patient's life expectancy. Small-cell lung cancer tends to metastasize early and mainly relies on chemotherapy or radiotherapy, while non-small-cell lung cancer is often treated surgically, combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
02 What types of lung cancer patients are suitable for surgery?
With the advancement of modern medical science, our understanding of lung cancer has deepened, recognizing it not just as a localized disease but as a systemic one. The treatment principle has evolved from simple surgical resection to a multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment approach. The concept of surgery-based multidisciplinary treatment is gradually gaining acceptance among clinical physicians. Since early-stage lung cancer often shows no obvious symptoms, most patients are already in the advanced stages of the disease by the time they are diagnosed, thus missing the opportunity for curative surgery. Therefore, after diagnosis, a thorough examination of the patient’s overall condition and tumor stage is crucial to determine whether surgery is feasible.
As previously mentioned, lung cancer is staged. In simple terms, if lung cancer is entirely localized within the lung and no lymph node metastasis is detected, it is classified as stage I. If lymph node metastasis has occurred but is confined to the lung or the lung hilum, it is stage II. If metastasis has spread to the mediastinal lymph nodes, it is classified as stage III. The decision on whether lung cancer can be surgically removed is mainly based on the stage of the cancer. Generally speaking, surgical treatment is suitable for patients with stage I, II, and some stage III lung cancers. If the tumor is confined to one side of the chest and can be fully removed through thoracotomy, surgery should be considered.
Another key factor in determining whether surgery is possible is the patient’s overall physical condition, including common conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. A comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general condition is necessary to predict their tolerance to surgery, with lung function being the most important factor. The surgical principle for lung cancer is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving as much lung function as possible.
03 Is lung cancer surgery dangerous?
With the continuous development of medical science and technology, the risks associated with lung cancer surgery are gradually decreasing. Mortality rates during hospitalization for lung cancer surgery vary between hospitals. The risks of lung cancer surgery are related to the size of the tumor, the type of surgery, the amount of lung tissue removed, the patient’s overall physical condition, the presence of comorbidities (such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease), the surgeon's skill level, and the overall medical standards of the hospital.
Before surgery, the doctor will explain the risks and potential situations to the patient and their family based on the patient's specific condition. As a patient, it's important to remain confident and approach surgery with optimism. Based on years of clinical experience, a patient's courage and confidence are key factors in overcoming illness.
Of course, a small number of patients may experience complications or difficulties during recovery after surgery, leading to anxiety for both the patient and their family. However, patients should trust that doctors and nurses will do their best. It is essential for the patient to maintain confidence, actively cooperate with treatment and care, and believe in a swift recovery.