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Lung Cancer

Cardio-thoracic SurgeryClinical OncologyRespiratory Medicine

Lung cancer is known as the "number one killer" among cancers in Hong Kong. Early diagnosis can significantly improve the cure rate of lung cancer. However, patients often discover lung cancer at the mid or late stage, missing the optimal treatment window.

Symptoms

Lung cancer patients may present with the following symptoms (depending on the extent of cancer involvement):

Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Persistent cough
Blood-stained sputum
Chest pain
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

⚠️Attention: Most lung cancers are completely asymptomatic at the early stages!

Causes and Risk Factors

The major risk factors for lung cancer are related to living environment and personal habits.

Smoking	Smokers are 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. The risk increases with the amount and duration of smoking. Non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke also have a higher risk of lung cancer than the general population
Age	Lung cancer risks increase with age
Air Pollution and Environmental Pollutants	Kitchen fumes, smoke from joss sticks/incense etc. Respirable suspended particulates (PM2.5) Asbestos
Genetic Factors	Family history of lung cancer
Radiation	Radon in the air

Diagnosis

Patients can be diagnosed with lung cancer through the following methods:

Chest X-ray	X-rays can detect abnormal shadows in the lung fields. Difficult to detect tumors of smaller size or lower density.
Computer Tomography (CT) Scan	This uses X-rays, contrasts and computer reconstruction to delineate the lung tumor characteristics (size, location, morphology) for doctors to assess its malignant risks. Low-dose CT emits only about 1/5 of radiation compared to conventional CT, and is suitable for lung cancer screening.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)	It analyses the tumor's glucose metabolism, helping physicians assess the likelihood that it is malignant, and reveals whether the lung cancer has clearly spread to other parts of the body.
Sputum cytology for cancer cells	Sputum is examined under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells.
Biopsy via Bronchoscopy or Percutaneous needle puncture	Sampling small fragments of tumor tissue (via endoscope or via needle puncture through the chest wall) for histopathological diagnosis.
Surgical biopsy	Resection of lung tissue including the tumor. This is the most invasive yet most accurate method.

Lung Cancer Treatment Options

The main treatment methods for lung cancer include:

Surgery	Removing tumour through surgery with the goal of achieving a cure. Common resection types include wedge resection, segmentectomy, or lobectomy.
Chemotherapy ("Chemo")	Use drugs to inhibit the activity of cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy ("RT")	Using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy	Drugs designed to target specific tumor cell characteristics, typically with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

These treatments are not mutually exclusive but rather part of a comprehensive lung cancer "multimodality treatment." If needed, thoracic surgeons and oncologists will plan the combined treatment approach and its sequence depending on the patient's actual condition.

Prevention

To reduce the risks of lung cancer, smokers should quit smoking as soon as possible. For non-smokers, it is important to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. In daily life, you should also minimize contact with carcinogens. Individuals who are at “high risk” for lung cancer (such as chronic smokers aged 50 or above) can consult healthcare professionals to assess whether they should undergo lung cancer screening. You can learn more about it from:
➜ "HEAL Medical 's Lung Cancer Screening Plan"

Frequently Asked Questions

While most people with lung cancer are smokers or former smokers, there are still many lung cancer patients who have never smoked. The reasons why non-smokers develop lung cancer may be related to genetics or exposure to air pollutants and radiation.

When treating lung cancer, it is crucial to determine whether the patient is suitable for targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Patients need to undergo testing on tumour samples to check for specific gene mutations or abnormal markers. Based on the test results, doctors will choose the appropriate treatment method for the patient.

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment for cancer that harnesses the body's own immune system. It works by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, thereby treating cancer. However, it may not be suitable for all types of cancer, and it is advisable to consult with your doctor.

References

Hong Kong Cancer Registry – Hospital Authority from https://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/tc/topten.html
Health Protection Center - Lung Cancer from from https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/healthtopics/content/25/49.html
Hong Kong Health Treasure - Hong Kong Public Health Information and Statistics - Lung Cancer from https://www.healthyhk.gov.hk/phisweb/zh/chart_detail/55/
Recommendations on Prevention and Screening for Lung Cancer For Health Professionals, Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG), The Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, HKSAR
Hong Kong Cancer Society - Conquering Lung Cancer Treatment from https://www.hkacs.org.hk/ufiles/LUNG.pdf

HEAL Oncology Centre

We provide a variety of treatment options for lung cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists will tailor the best treatment plan for each patient, providing comprehensive and holistic care to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes and support throughout your cancer treatment journey.

HEAL Oncology Centre

Lung Cancer

Symptoms

Causes and Risk Factors

Diagnosis

Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

References

HEAL Oncology Centre

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