Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest types of cancer worldwide. It develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that interfere with normal lung function. If left untreated, these cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes and distant organs such as the brain, liver, bones, or adrenal glands.

There are two main types of lung cancer: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for approximately 85% of cases, and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), a more aggressive form that tends to spread rapidly. Smoking remains the leading risk factor, but lung cancer can also occur in non-smokers due to genetic factors, air pollution, radon exposure, secondhand smoke, or occupational exposure to harmful substances.

Early detection plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes, as lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its initial stages.

Diagnosing lung cancer involves several tests to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage. These may include:

• Physical examination and medical history
• Chest X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET-CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Bronchoscopy
• Needle biopsy or surgical biopsy
• Sputum cytology
• Molecular and genetic testing

Once cancer is confirmed, staging is performed to determine the size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and whether the disease has metastasized.

Accurate staging enables specialists to develop the most appropriate and personalised treatment plan.

Lung cancer symptoms often do not appear until the disease has progressed. However, common warning signs include:

• A persistent cough that does not improve or becomes worse
• Coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus
• Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness or changes in voice
• Recurrent lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent fatigue or weakness

When lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, additional symptoms may develop, including:

• Bone pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Swelling of the face or neck
• Neurological symptoms caused by brain metastases

Because many of these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, medical evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou specialises in minimally invasive cancer treatments that precisely target tumours while minimising damage to healthy tissue.

Depending on each patient’s condition, therapies such as interventional treatment, cryotherapy, microwave ablation, radioactive seed implantation, and other advanced techniques may be combined into a personalised treatment plan designed by a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

This approach aims to maximise treatment effectiveness while improving recovery and quality of life.