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Lung cancer is a malignant tumor originating in the lungs, classified into non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. It occurs most frequently in individuals over 50, especially those with a long history of smoking, prolonged exposure to air pollution, or occupational carcinogens. The disease progresses rapidly, metastasizes early, and is often diagnosed at advanced stages.
Globally, the incidence of lung cancer is high in the United States, China, and parts of Europe, with mortality also ranking first. In Southeast Asian countries such as eastern China, Thailand, and Vietnam, due to high smoking rates and severe air pollution, lung cancer incidence continues to rise, posing a serious public health challenge.
Stage I: Localized Lesion, Highest 5-Year Survival Rate
At Stage I, the lesion is confined to the lung without lymph node or distant organ involvement. Most patients have no obvious symptoms, and the cancer is often found incidentally during physical or imaging exams. Prognosis is favorable, with a 5-year survival rate of 70-90%.
Stage II: Local Spread, Initial Symptoms Appear
Stage II lung cancer may involve the local lobe and nearby lymph nodes. Patients may develop mild cough or chest discomfort. Physical signs remain subtle, and the 5-year survival rate is about 50-60%, still within an effective treatment stage.
Stage III: Extensive Lymph Node Involvement, Prognosis Worsens
Cancer cells spread to mediastinal or supraclavicular lymph nodes. Symptoms intensify, including persistent cough, chest pain, and hemoptysis. The 5-year survival rate drops to 20-30%, requiring comprehensive systemic treatment.
Stage IV: Distant Metastasis, Lowest Survival Rate
Stage IV lung cancer metastasizes to distant organs such as the liver, bones, and brain, presenting severe and complex symptoms. The 5-year survival rate is usually less than 10%, and treatment primarily focuses on symptom relief and life extension.
1. Persistent Cough and Sputum
One of the most common early symptoms of lung cancer. The cough lasts for weeks or longer, and blood-streaked sputum may appear. Smokers with hemoptysis should be highly vigilant.
2. Chest Pain and Tightness
Tumor compression of the pleura or chest wall can cause dull or aching pain, aggravated by deep breathing or coughing. Some patients feel chest pressure or shortness of breath.
3. Dyspnea and Shortness of Breath
As the tumor progresses, patients may experience shortness of breath during mild activity. If cancer involves lung function areas or causes pleural effusion, symptoms become more pronounced.
4. Weight Loss and Fatigue
Lung cancer often causes significant weight loss unrelated to diet, along with persistent fatigue and lack of energy, reflecting tumor metabolism and systemic inflammatory response.
5. Hoarseness and Swallowing Difficulties
If the tumor is near the lung hilum or invades the recurrent laryngeal nerve, persistent hoarseness may occur. Some patients also experience difficulty swallowing or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat.
6. Bone Pain or Joint Aches (Indicating Bone Metastasis)
Advanced lung cancer may spread to bones, causing persistent pain, frequent fractures, or restricted mobility. The pain is continuous and difficult to relieve, signaling possible metastasis.
7. Neurological Symptoms Suggesting Brain Metastasis
If metastasis occurs in the brain, patients may develop headaches, blurred vision, speech impairment, or seizures. These are key signs of advanced lung cancer.
8. Fever and Night Sweats
Some patients present with low-grade fever or unexplained night sweats. These do not improve with routine anti-inflammatory drugs and indicate abnormal immune responses or tumor activity.
9. Lymph Node Enlargement
Enlarged, painless lymph nodes may appear in the neck, supraclavicular, or axillary regions. Typically firm and persistent, they suggest mediastinal or peripheral lymphatic metastasis.
10. Loss of Appetite and Digestive Issues
Although lung cancer primarily affects the respiratory system, some patients also experience loss of appetite, nausea, or early satiety, reflecting systemic metabolic disruption.
Early lung cancer symptoms are subtle and easily mistaken, leading to high rates of missed or delayed diagnosis. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that individuals with long-term smoking history, exposure to pollution, or family history of lung cancer should undergo regular low-dose chest CT screening. Persistent cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, dyspnea, or unexplained weight loss warrant immediate medical attention. Experts highlight that immune reconstruction cell therapy, combined with traditional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, offers important strategies to improve survival and quality of life for advanced patients, and should be included in individualized treatment plans.
