Lung Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

In 2020, lung cancer ranked as the second most common oncological disease in Korea. It is classified into primary and metastatic lung cancer based on its origin.

Primary lung cancer is further divided into:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – Includes squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. When detected early, surgical removal offers a high chance of recovery.

• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – Accounts for 13% of all lung cancers and is commonly found in long-term smokers. It is an aggressive form of cancer with a high tendency for early metastasis to the lymph nodes, brain, liver, bones, adrenal glands, and kidneys.

Diagnosis

When lung cancer is suspected, the following tests are conducted:

• Chest X-ray – Initial screening method.

• CT Scan of the Chest – Provides detailed imaging for tumor assessment.

• PET-CT – Detects cancer spread to distant organs.

• Biopsy – The most reliable method to differentiate between malignant and benign tumors.

Biopsy techniques include:

• Bronchoscopy – Examines airways and collects tissue samples.

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy – Extracts cells from a suspicious mass using a thin needle.

• Pleural Fluid Analysis – Detects cancer cells in pleural effusion.

• Thoracoscopic Lung Biopsy – Minimally invasive technique for obtaining lung tissue samples.

• Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)-guided Biopsy – Used to sample lymph nodes near the lungs.

Staging of Lung Cancer

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):

• Stage 1 & 2: The tumor remains localized and surgical removal is the primary treatment option.

• Stage 3: Cancer spreads to mediastinal lymph nodes. Requires surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

• Stage 4: Presence of distant metastases or malignant pleural effusion, treated with chemotherapy.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC):

• Limited Stage: Cancer is confined to one lung.

• Extensive Stage: Cancer has spread to the other lung or distant organs. Requires combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Treatment Options

Lung cancer treatment depends on tumor type, stage, patient age, and overall health. Available treatment methods include:

• Surgical Treatment – Lobectomy, segmentectomy, or pneumonectomy to remove the affected lung tissue.

• Radiotherapy – High-energy radiation to target cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy – Used alone or in combination with other treatments.

• Targeted Therapy – Precision medicine for tumors with specific genetic mutations.

• Immunotherapy – Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

• Endoscopic Therapies – Minimally invasive treatments for early- and late-stage cancers:Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – Uses light-sensitive drugs to destroy cancer cells.
  Laser Therapy – Vaporizes tumor tissue.
  Cryotherapy – Freezes and destroys cancer cells.
  Electrosurgery – Uses electrical currents to remove tumors.
  Bronchial Stenting & Balloon Dilation – Opens airways blocked by tumors.
  

Cost of Diagnosis & Treatment:

• 24,000,000 – 30,000,000 KRW (surgery)