Why does this test lead to a significant difference in the 5-year survival rate of patients diagnosed with lung cancer?

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality rates among cancers in my country. It has an insidious onset and most early-stage lung cancers have no obvious symptoms. Most cases are discovered during physical examinations with chest CT scans.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include blood spots or streaks in sputum or intermittent coughing up of small amounts of blood.

When lung cancer compresses or invades adjacent organs and tissues or metastasizes to distant places, a series of manifestations may occur.

Therefore, early diagnosis can significantly improve the prognosis and survival of lung cancer patients. The 5-year survival rate of lung cancer patients after surgery is:

The 5-year survival rate of stage I patients after surgery is 77%~92%, while that of stage IIIA~IVA patients is only 10%~36%, showing a significant difference in the 5-year survival rate.

Chest CT (computed tomography) and chest x-ray

These are two common medical imaging tests used to evaluate chest diseases and lesions.

First, let us understand the characteristics of chest CT and chest X-ray.

Chest CT is a test that uses multiple X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional images.

It provides more accurate, clearer images that show details of the lungs, heart, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and other chest structures.

It can detect smaller lesions such as tumors, infections, pulmonary emboli, etc., and can provide more information such as the size, location and morphology of the lesion.

A chest radiograph is a routine X-ray examination method that evaluates chest diseases by taking X-ray images of the chest from both the front and back directions.

A chest X-ray can provide some basic information, such as the outline of the lungs, the location and size of the heart, etc. However, since a chest X-ray only provides a two-dimensional image, it may not provide enough detail to evaluate complex lesions or structures.

Before taking a chest X-ray, you should pay attention to the following: Do not wear tops with metal, rhinestone or other decorations; remove necklaces, underwear with underwires, and other items that may affect the image quality before the examination.

So why do we sometimes do chest CT instead of chest X-ray?

1. More accurate diagnosis:

Chest CT can provide more accurate images and detect smaller lesions or abnormalities. For some complex cases, such as lung cancer, lung infection or pulmonary embolism, chest CT may be a better choice.

2. A more comprehensive assessment:

Chest CT can provide more information, including the size, location, morphology and relationship of the lesion to surrounding structures.

This information is important in developing a treatment plan and assessing the progression of the disease.

3. Higher sensitivity:

Chest CT has a higher detection capability for certain lesions, especially for small tumors or early lesions.

This makes chest CT more useful in early cancer screening and follow-up.

4. Doctors can individualize treatment:

Based on the results of chest CT, doctors can better understand the characteristics and severity of the lesions and thus develop an individualized treatment plan.

It should be noted that the radiation dose of chest CT is relatively high compared to chest X-ray. Therefore, before deciding whether to perform a chest CT, the doctor will comprehensively consider the patient's condition, symptoms, and other examination results to ensure the best medical decision.

Compared with chest X-ray, chest CT has higher accuracy, comprehensiveness and sensitivity and is suitable for more complex cases and assessments that require more information.

The scanning process is like cutting bread, showing people every detail inside the chest cavity.

Therefore, the specific examination method should be determined according to the patient's specific situation and the doctor's advice. If you have any questions or need further explanation, please consult your doctor.

Who are the high-risk groups for lung cancer?

The most effective imaging method for early lung cancer screening in people at high risk of lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).

The "Chinese Expert Consensus on Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis (2023 Edition)" defines the high-risk population for lung cancer as:

Aged 40 to 80 years and with at least one of the following risk factors:

①Cumulative smoking index ≥ 20 pack-years;

② Environmental or occupational exposure (radon, silicon, cadmium, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, nickel, asbestos, diesel fumes, soot, radioactive elements);

③ Family history of lung cancer in first-degree relatives;

④Combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diffuse pulmonary fibrosis or old tuberculosis;

⑤ History of malignant tumor;

⑥ Long-term inhalation of secondhand smoke (home or indoor workplace, >2 h/d, at least 10 years) or long-term exposure to kitchen fumes (cooking such as stir-frying, frying, and deep-frying).

It is recommended that people at high risk of lung cancer undergo regular lung cancer screening.