Q: What key warnings can CT imaging provide before the onset of lung cancer?
Q: How can CT examination scientifically avoid unnecessary radiation? What cognitive misunderstandings should be guarded against after being diagnosed with lung cancer?
In this issue, we have invited Professor Yang Nong, a specially-appointed expert from Hainan Cancer Hospital, to analyze issues that patients are concerned about, helping everyone to calmly handle every crucial step from examination to diagnosis and treatment.
What warning signs will CT report show before a diagnosis of lung cancer is confirmed
Professor Yang Nong stated that high vigilance is required when the following five radiographic features are observed in lung lesions:
Ground-glass nodules with irregular shape and blurred edges;
The solid component of the nodule increases, and the density of the mixed ground-glass nodule continues to rise;
The margin of the nodule presents a lobulated appearance, indicating the presence of lobulation;
Short spicules grow around the nodule, indicating the presence of the spiculation sign;
Lesions adjacent to the pleura cause traction on the pleura, resulting in pleural traction sign.
How to prepare for CT examination to minimize radiation damage
Professor Yang Nong explained that reasonable planning of examination methods and proper protection can effectively reduce radiation impact, and there is no need to refuse necessary examinations due to fear of radiation:
1. Prefer low-dose CT
Low-dose chest CT is the preferred choice for routine lung examinations, with a radiation dose that is only 1/4 to 1/3 of that of conventional CT. It significantly reduces the impact on the body while meeting screening needs.
2. Obstruct non-inspection areas
When undergoing a chest CT scan, you can proactively request protective gear from medical staff to shield non-examination areas such as the neck, abdomen, and head, accurately avoiding unnecessary radiation.
3. Retain electronic images to avoid repeated inspections
When seeking medical treatment across hospitals, it is recommended to copy electronic images in DICOM format instead of traditional film, to avoid repeated radiography due to unclear images and reduce additional radiation exposure and financial expenditure.
4. Complete the inspection in accordance with the specifications
Remove metal items before the examination, and keep your body still during the scanning process to prevent secondary scanning caused by artifacts.
Professor Yang Nong reminds us that necessary CT examination is the core means for diagnosing diseases, and the benefits far outweigh the radiation risks. Scientific examination is the key to safeguarding health.
After being diagnosed with lung cancer, what misconceptions should patients avoid
Professor Yang Nong emphasized that avoiding the following three types of behaviors after diagnosis would directly impact the treatment outcome and quality of life:
1. Abandon folk remedies and adhere to formal treatment
Do not be misled by secret formulas, anti-cancer health products, and dietary remedies due to fear of surgery or the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Such methods lack clinical validation and can damage liver and kidney function, delaying the optimal treatment opportunity. Blindly taking supplements can also interfere with body metabolism and affect the efficacy of standard medications. The treatment of lung cancer follows the principle of precise individualization, and standardized treatment is the core.
2. Stay away from carcinogenic environments to prevent secondary damage
Upon diagnosis, smoking cessation is imperative. Tobacco carcinogens can accelerate disease progression, reduce treatment effectiveness, and increase the risk of postoperative complications. Additionally, it is important to avoid exposure to harmful substances such as second-hand smoke, third-hand smoke, kitchen fumes, dust from renovations, and haze.
3. Adjust your mindset and avoid carrying negative emotions
Experiencing negative emotions after diagnosis is a normal reaction, but long-term anxiety and depression can suppress the immune system. Patients should actively express and relieve their emotions, follow medical advice for rest and recovery, and communicate any physical discomfort in a timely manner. Fighting cancer is a long-term battle, and maintaining a good attitude and physical strength are important guarantees.
Lung cancer is not a terminal illness. Clinical cure can be achieved in early and middle stages, and patients with advanced lung cancer can also survive with the tumor for a long time through standardized treatment. Following the guidance of professional physicians, avoiding misunderstandings, and actively cooperating with treatment are essential for scientific cancer prevention.
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 director of the "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Clinic" / "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Expert Team Clinic". He is also a 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 to clinical, scientific research, and teaching work related to difficult, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases for nearly 30 years.
He has been honored with the title of "Outstanding Model of National Famous Doctors" in the 6th edition, and has been recommended as "Annual Excellent Doctor" by patients across the country for 8 consecutive years, as well as being awarded the title of "First Brain Doctor, Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines, boasts over 500,000 fans 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 refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases with brain metastasis; individualized and precise treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of 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 excels in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of multiple cancer types, individualization, and interdisciplinary collaboration across pan-solid tumors (such as stomach, intestine, brain, etc.).
[Visit information]
1. Clinic Hours and Location
April 12th, 8:00-12:00
Sixth Consultation Area of Hainan Cancer Hospital
2. [Appointment registration]
Follow the official account of Hainan Cancer Hospital for "appointment registration"
3. Health consultation
18976324546
[Friendly Reminder]
To facilitate the expert's understanding of the condition as soon as possible, please bring:
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: wax 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. Several most pressing questions I want to inquire about