Lung cancer patients often feel depressed when they are diagnosed with pleural effusion, especially when cancer cells are detected in the pleural effusion. With the continuous development of targeted therapy, immunotherapy, precision chemotherapy, and other treatment methods, some patients have achieved disease control after individualized and standardized treatment, and are hopeful for long-term survival with tumor.
In this issue, we have invited Professor Yang Nong, a specially-appointed expert from Hainan Cancer Hospital/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University, to provide professional analysis on issues of concern to patients and help everyone cope scientifically.
Questions & Answers
Q: How does cancerous pleural effusion occur?
When lung cancer progresses to a certain stage, it can invade the pleura, disrupting its normal metabolic function and leading to the accumulation of excess fluid in the chest cavity, known as pleural effusion.
Qustions&Answers
Q: Is it late-stage cancer if cancer cells are found in the pleural fluid?
If free cancer cells are detected in the pleural fluid specimen, it indicates that the tumor has metastasized to the pleura and the lesion is no longer localized in the lungs. According to the clinical staging criteria, it is classified as advanced stage.
Qustions&Answers
Q: Can advanced lung cancer with pleural effusion still be treated?
We can correct a long-held misconception: In the past, many people believed that advanced lung cancer with cancerous pleural effusion had no therapeutic value, which was related to the limited treatment options available at that time. Nowadays, significant progress has been made in tumor diagnosis and treatment, with targeted therapy, immunotherapy, precision chemotherapy, and other approaches being routinely applied in clinical practice.
In clinical practice, some lung cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion have experienced controlled recurrence of pleural effusion and stabilized disease after undergoing individualized and standardized comprehensive treatment, which holds promise for long-term survival with tumor presence.
Here's a reminder: detecting cancerous pleural effusion does not mean losing the opportunity for treatment, but rather indicates tumor progression. There is no need to be overly desperate, nor should one give up blindly. It is recommended to seek medical attention at a cancer specialist promptly, and after evaluation by a doctor, an individualized treatment plan can be formulated to strive to control the tumor and improve quality of life.
Expert Introduction
Yang Nong
Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Hainan Cancer Hospital/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University
Long-term employed expert of Hainan Chengmei Hospital
He currently serves as Vice President of the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, leader of the oncology department, and head of the "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Clinic" / "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 Medicine Research Center.
He has dedicated nearly 30 years to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, as well as clinical practice, research, and teaching in the management of complex recurrent and drug-resistant cases.
He has been honored with titles such as the "National Famous Doctor - Excellent Demeanor" at the 6th session, the "Annual Excellent Doctor" for eight consecutive years, and the "First Brain Doctor - Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines and has long been engaged in the popularization of tumor health knowledge.
Specialization
Precision treatment of lung cancer, diagnosis and treatment of difficult, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases, as well as brain metastasis; individualized precision 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).
Long-term comprehensive diagnosis and treatment across multiple cancer types, with personalized and interdisciplinary care.
Consultation information
Clinic Hours
08:00-12:00 on November 15th
Visit location
Sixth Consultation Area of Hainan Cancer Hospital
appointment registration
Follow the official account of Hainan Cancer Hospital for "appointment registration"
Friendly Reminder
To facilitate the experts in understanding your condition as soon as possible, please bring along:
●ID card, medical insurance card, mobile phone
●Accompany immediate family members (with decision-making authority)
● Arrange the relevant examinations you have undergone in chronological order
● Paper medical records of previous visits
●Surgical case biopsy: paraffin block or 20-30 white slides
● Pathological diagnosis report
●Inpatient medical records and notes
● Recent relevant examinations
● Patient's current treatment plan
●The most urgent questions to consult
(Friendly reminder: The effectiveness of tumor treatment varies from person to person and is related to various factors such as pathological type, genetic status, and basic physical condition. The content of this article is for health education purposes only. For specific treatment plans, please follow the advice of your attending physician.)