Lung cancer is one of the most common cancer in the world. Lung cancer starts in the lungs or airways (trachea and bronchi) and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in Malaysia and the second most common cancer among Malaysian men after colorectal cancer, with an incidence rate of 15.8% of all cancers. Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer among Malaysian women, with an incidence rate of 5.6%. Although lung cancer is only the second most common cancer, it is the number one killer of male cancer patients in Malaysia, accounting for nearly 25%, that is, 1 out of every 4 male cancer patients will die from lung cancer, while it is the second most common cancer in women. Killer', lung cancer accounts for 15% of all cancer deaths in women.
So can middle and late-staged lung cancer be treated? The minimally invasive technique with less side effects and less trauma can help lung patients avoid surgical resection, avoid the pain of traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, effectively prolong the survival period and improve the quality of life.
Lung cancer is classified based on histopathological appearance.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Accounts for approximately80–85%of all lung cancer cases.
Subtypes include:
Adenocarcinoma
The most common subtype, arising from glandular epithelial cells. Often located in the peripheral lung and more frequent in non-smokers.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Strongly linked to smoking and typically arises in central bronchi.
Large Cell Carcinoma
Poorly differentiated, aggressive tumors lacking features of other subtypes.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Represents15–20%of cases.
Rapid growth and early metastasis
Strong association with tobacco use
Frequently associated with paraneoplastic syndromes
Lung cancer staging describes the extent of disease and helps guide treatment decisions. Staging is based on the TNM system (Tumor size, lymph Node involvement, and Metastasis).
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): Cancer confined to the lining of the airways
Stage I: Cancer limited to the lung without lymph node involvement
Stage II: Cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes
Stage III: Cancer spread to lymph nodes in the chest or nearby structures
Stage IV: Cancer spread to distant organs
Factors increasing the likelihood of lung cancer include:
Active cigarette smoking
Passive (second-hand) smoke exposure
Radon gas exposure
Occupational exposure (asbestos, silica, nickel, chromium)
Air pollution (PM2.5)
Family history of lung cancer
Chronic lung diseases (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis
Early-stage disease
Often asymptomatic or nonspecific.
Common symptoms
Persistent cough
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Chest pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Hoarseness
Advanced disease
Bone pain
Neurological symptoms (headache, seizures)
Facial or neck swelling (superior vena cava syndrome)
Diagnosis requires imaging and histological confirmation.
Imaging
Chest X-ray
Contrast-enhanced CT scan
PET-CT for staging
MRI for brain metastases
Tissue confirmation
Bronchoscopy with biopsy
CT-guided transthoracic biopsy
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
Surgical biopsy
Molecular testing (NSCLC)
EGFR mutations
ALK rearrangements
ROS1, BRAF, KRAS
PD-L1 expression
Early-stage lung cancer may be curable with surgery and adjuvant therapy. Advanced disease is generally treated palliatively.
Yes. Environmental exposure, genetics, and radon are recognized causes.
It guides personalized therapy and improves outcomes.
Low-dose CT screening reduces lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals.
Yes. Environmental exposure, radon gas, occupational hazards, and genetics contribute to lung cancer in non-smokers.
Early-stage lung cancer may be cured with surgery and adjuvant therapy. Advanced disease is typically managed to prolong survival and relieve symptoms.
Early disease is frequently asymptomatic, delaying diagnosis until advanced stages.
High-risk individuals aged 50–80 with a significant smoking history benefit from annual low-dose CT screening.
Song Shijun, professor, chief physician, CPC member, has been engaged in clinical work of oncology fo...
She specializes in various minimally invasive treatments for tumors, especially chemotherapy, targete...
Ma Xiaoying, more than 20 years experience of clinical work in oncology, and is currently a member...
Dr. Lin Jing has been engaged in clinical work in oncology for nearly 20 years and is currently a mem...
Specialized in personalized comprehensive treatment for complex cancers including lung cancer, liver ...
Prostate cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Tongue Cancer
11.Making an Appointment (phone, web, email)
22.Arriving at the local branch office for a free remote consultations
33.Local branch office assisting visa application
44.Arriving in the hospital for treatment
55.MDT team making a treatment plan
66.Accepting treatment for cancer
77.Treatment finish and patient discharged
88.Demanding for return visit and follow-up by local branch office
Lung Cancer Stages and Corresponding 5-year Survival Rate
Lung Cancer Stage I: 77%--92%;
Lung Cancer Stage II: 53%--68%;
Lung Cancer Stage III: 13%--36%;
Lung Cancer Stage IV: less than 10%.
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*Disclaimer: The effect of treatment varies from person to person. The information on the website of Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou is for reference only, and cannot be used as the basis for medical diagnosis and treatment, nor can it replace the doctor's diagnosis and treatment. For more details, please review the Liability Clause.
