Mr.
Li, 69 years old, underwent a lobectomy in 2020. In 2025, a follow-up
examination revealed tumor recurrence and possible metastasis. Seeking a
diagnosis from an authoritative expert in the field of lung cancer, he made a
special trip to Hainan Cancer Hospital to seek the diagnosis and treatment of
Professor Yang Nong, a specially-appointed expert.
Information chart of Professor Yang Nong's outpatient visits
Facing the recurrence of the disease after five years, Professor Yang Nong carefully assessed and stated that it was not an intractable disease. Considering the patient's physical condition, who is nearly seventy years old, he suggested that there was no need for further surgical resection. "You are about to turn 70 years old. If lung tissue is removed again, your lung function may not be able to support daily activities, which will affect your quality of life," Professor Yang Nong explained.
To accurately diagnose the condition, he recommended that Mr. Li undergo a biopsy to further investigate the presence of driver gene mutations. Based on the pathological and genetic results, an individualized treatment plan can then be formulated.
"In addition to targeted or pharmacological therapy, local radiotherapy is also necessary for newly-detected lesions to achieve better control effects," said Professor Yang Nong. "Recurrence five years after surgery indicates that the tumor is not highly malignant, so there is no need for excessive anxiety. As long as treatment is standardized, there is a chance to stabilize the condition."
In the outpatient clinic
Professor Yang Nong also frequently answers questions related to tumor recurrence
Qustions & Answers
Q: Why did early-stage lung cancer recur after surgery?
Professor Yang Nong: Cancer itself is characterized by a high recurrence and distant metastasis risk. The earlier the stage of lung cancer, the lower the risk of recurrence and metastasis; the later the stage, the higher the probability. Even some benign tumors may recur.
Even for patients in the very early stage, regular monitoring is still necessary after surgery, but the interval between follow-up visits can be appropriately extended. For patients with high risks or special circumstances, doctors will clearly inform them of the frequency and requirements for follow-up visits.
Our current approach to diagnosis and treatment involves regular monitoring, aiming to detect and intervene promptly at the first signs of recurrence or metastasis, thereby seizing the optimal treatment opportunity and avoiding waiting until the tumor has progressed significantly before taking action.
Qustions & Answers
Q: What are the main reasons for postoperative recurrence of lung cancer?
Professor Yang Nong: Even after surgical removal of malignant tumors, there may still be micro-metastatic foci in the body, or tumor cells may have entered the blood circulation, chest cavity, and abdominal cavity and remain in a latent state. When treatment ends and drug concentrations decline, under suitable conditions, these cells may proliferate again, leading to recurrence.
Currently, CT, MRI, and other examinations are commonly used to assess recurrence and metastasis, such as chest and abdominal CT scans and head MRI scans. Generally, a follow-up examination is conducted every 3 to 6 months to observe whether metastatic lesions have appeared.
However, by the time lesions can be seen on imaging, it is often too late. Therefore, we adopt minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring, which involves detecting tumor-related gene fragments in the blood to predict potential recurrence and metastasis trends in advance, allowing for earlier and more precise intervention therapy.
Expert Introduction
Yang Nong, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Long-term employed experts of Hainan Cancer Hospital and Hainan Chengmei Hospital
He currently serves as Vice President of the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, head of the oncology department, and the person in charge of the "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Clinic" and "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Expert Team Clinic". He is also the chief expert of the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project, a member of the Lung Cancer Special Committee of the National Tumor Quality Control Center, the director of the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer, and the director of the Hunan Provincial Respiratory Tumor Clinical Medical Research Center. He has been dedicated to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, as well as clinical, scientific research, and teaching work in difficult, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases for nearly 30 years.
He has been honored with the title of "Outstanding Exemplar of National Famous Doctors" in the 6th edition, and has been recommended by patients across the country as "Annual Excellent Doctor" for eight consecutive years, as well as being awarded the title of "First Brain Doctor, Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines, boasts over 500,000 followers across the internet, and has garnered over 120 million views for his anti-cancer science popularization videos.
Medical expertise
Specialties: Precision treatment of lung cancer, breakthrough in difficult, recurrent, drug-resistant, and brain metastatic cases; individualized precision treatment of brain metastatic tumors from lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of pan-solid tumors; clinical trials of the latest immunotherapy/targeted therapy drugs.
With nearly 30 years of experience in precision immunotherapy for lung cancer, he has led nearly 400 phase I-III clinical trials of new anticancer drugs (including national Class 1 new drugs), and is particularly skilled in treating complex cases such as refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant conditions, as well as brain metastases.
At the same time, he is skilled in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of multiple cancer types, individualized treatment, and interdisciplinary collaboration, covering a wide range of solid tumors (such as stomach, intestine, brain, etc.).
[Visit Information]
1. Clinic Hours and Location
March 14th, 14:00-17:00
Sixth Consultation Area of Hainan Cancer Hospital
2. [Appointment registration]
Follow the official account of Hainan Cancer Hospital to "make an appointment and register"
3. Health consultation
18976324546
[Friendly Reminder]
To facilitate the experts in understanding your condition as soon as possible, please bring along:
1. ID card, medical insurance card, mobile phone
2. Accompany immediate family members (with decision-making authority)
3. Arrange the relevant examinations you have ever done in chronological order
4. Paper medical records of previous visits
5. Surgical case biopsy: paraffin block or 20-30 white slides
6. Pathological diagnosis report
7. Inpatient medical records and notes
8. Recent relevant examinations
9. The patient's current treatment plan
10. The most pressing questions I want to inquire about