Lung Cancer Center
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门诊
Lung Cancer Center
From accurate diagnosis to surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up care, the Lung Cancer Center provides integrated, patient-centered treatment tailored to each patient's condition and the characteristics of their lung cancer.
ABOUT THE CENTER
Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital Lung Cancer Center
The Lung Cancer Center at Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital provides personalized treatment based on the characteristics of each patient's lung cancer and overall health condition. Even among patients with the same diagnosis, treatment strategies may differ depending on the type and stage of cancer, tumor location and size, presence of metastasis, pathological and molecular characteristics, and the patient's overall health.
To address these individual differences, specialists from multiple medical fields work together as part of a multidisciplinary care system. The treatment plan may include surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments depending on the patient's condition and the characteristics of the cancer.
The goal of treatment is not only to control or treat the cancer, but also to preserve normal lung function and daily activities whenever possible while considering the patient's long-term health and quality of life.
CENTER FEATURES
Key Features of the Lung Cancer Center
01. Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Care
Treatment strategies for lung cancer vary according to cancer stage and individual characteristics. Specialists from different fields review diagnostic findings and the patient's condition together to determine whether surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, or combined treatment is appropriate.
02. Minimally Invasive Surgery
Thoracic surgeons consider the patient's condition, tumor location, extent of disease, and other clinical factors when selecting the appropriate surgical approach. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and other surgical techniques may be considered when clinically appropriate.
03. Personalized Systemic Therapy
Medical oncologists develop systemic treatment plans based on the type and stage of lung cancer, pathological and molecular characteristics, biomarkers, and the patient's overall health.
04. Precision Radiation Therapy
Radiation oncologists develop individualized treatment plans based on tumor location and size, surrounding normal organs, disease stage, and the purpose of treatment.
05. Comprehensive Imaging and Pathological Diagnosis
Specialists in Radiology and Pathology provide essential diagnostic information regarding tumor location, extent, histological type, and other characteristics that help guide treatment.
06. University Hospital Infrastructure
As part of a university hospital system with multiple specialized departments and diagnostic and treatment resources, the Lung Cancer Center can coordinate the various areas of care that may be required throughout the patient's treatment journey.
LUNG CANCER INFORMATION
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that develops when genetic changes cause abnormal cells in the lung to grow and multiply uncontrollably. Cancer may invade nearby tissues or lymph nodes and, in advanced cases, may spread to distant organs.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common category of lung cancer and includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Depending on the stage and characteristics of the tumor, treatment may include surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or combinations of these approaches.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer tends to grow and spread rapidly, making accurate staging particularly important. Treatment commonly centers on systemic therapy and radiation therapy, with the specific strategy determined according to the stage and overall condition of the patient.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE
Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Care
Lung cancer treatment requires the comprehensive review of diagnostic, imaging, pathological, surgical, medical oncology, and radiation oncology information. The Lung Cancer Center brings together specialists from relevant fields to discuss diagnostic findings and determine an individualized treatment strategy.
Pulmonology
Thoracic Surgery
Medical Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Radiology
Pathology
DIAGNOSIS
How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing lung cancer involves more than determining whether an abnormality is present in the lung. Physicians evaluate the location and size of the tumor, involvement of lymph nodes or other organs, histological type, molecular characteristics, and overall disease stage.
| Chest CT | Chest computed tomography (CT) is used to evaluate pulmonary nodules and masses, including their size, location, relationship to surrounding structures, and associated lymph node abnormalities. |
|---|---|
| Low-Dose Chest CT | Low-dose CT may be used for lung cancer screening in people at increased risk of lung cancer. Eligibility for screening should be determined based on factors such as age and smoking history. |
| Bronchoscopy and Biopsy | Bronchoscopy allows physicians to examine the airways and obtain tissue samples when appropriate. Pathological examination of the tissue can determine whether cancer is present and identify its type. |
| Percutaneous Lung Biopsy | For selected lung lesions that are difficult to reach through bronchoscopy, tissue may be obtained through image-guided percutaneous biopsy. |
| PET-CT | PET-CT may be used for comprehensive staging and evaluation of possible distant metastases. |
| Pathological and Molecular Testing | Pathological testing identifies the histological type of lung cancer, while molecular and biomarker testing may provide information needed to determine appropriate targeted or immunotherapy options. |
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ADVANTAGES
Advantages of University Hospital-Based Lung Cancer Care
Lung cancer treatment requires consideration of not only the cancer itself, but also cardiopulmonary function, other chronic diseases, nutritional status, surgical eligibility, and overall health. A university hospital provides access to multiple specialized departments and diagnostic and treatment resources that can be coordinated for patients requiring complex or multidisciplinary care.
Collaboration Across Medical Specialties
Expertise in respiratory medicine, surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, imaging, and pathology can be integrated throughout the patient's care.
Care for Patients with Comorbidities
Patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or other medical conditions may receive coordinated care with the relevant specialties when necessary.
Comprehensive Disease Staging
CT, PET-CT, tissue biopsy, pathological examination, and molecular testing can be combined to provide information needed for treatment planning.
Consideration of Multiple Treatment Options
Treatment planning considers surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, and combinations of these approaches according to the patient's disease and condition.
Follow-Up Care After Treatment
After treatment, patients can receive follow-up evaluation for recurrence and treatment-related changes, with additional testing and specialist care arranged when necessary.
Shared Decision-Making
Treatment decisions take into account not only medical findings, but also the patient's overall health, daily life, treatment goals, and individual circumstances.
SURGERY
Lung Cancer Surgery
The surgical approach and extent of resection are determined by considering the type and stage of lung cancer, tumor location and size, pulmonary function, and the patient's overall condition.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical approach performed through small incisions using a camera and surgical instruments. Its use is determined according to the patient's condition and surgical indications.
Lung-Preserving Surgery
When appropriate, surgeons may consider an approach that removes the necessary portion of the lung while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible, based on tumor location, extent of disease, and pulmonary function.
Extended Resection
When a larger resection is required because of tumor size, location, or involvement of surrounding structures, the extent of surgery is determined based on the patient's overall condition and the characteristics of the disease.
SYSTEMIC THERAPY
Systemic Therapy for Lung Cancer
Systemic therapy is selected according to the type and stage of lung cancer, molecular and pathological characteristics of the tumor, biomarkers, previous treatments, and the patient's overall condition.
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Cytotoxic chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to inhibit the growth and multiplication of cancer cells. Depending on the type, stage, and treatment goals, chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Targeted Therapy
In selected patients with non-small cell lung cancer, targeted therapies may be considered when specific molecular alterations are identified.
Immunotherapy
Immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapy approaches may be considered based on tumor characteristics, biomarkers, disease stage, previous treatment, and the patient's overall condition.
RADIATION THERAPY
Precision Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer
Depending on the disease stage and treatment goals, radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, together with systemic therapy, as a local treatment for patients who are not candidates for surgery, or for symptom relief in advanced disease.
Precision Treatment Planning
Treatment fields and radiation doses are planned using imaging to identify the tumor and surrounding normal tissues.
Individualized Treatment
Radiation treatment methods and schedules are selected based on the patient's disease stage, treatment goals, overall condition, and the location and characteristics of the tumor.
EARLY DETECTION CLINIC
Lung Cancer Early Detection Clinic · One-Stop Service
Early detection plays an important role in lung cancer care.
Lung cancer may cause few or no symptoms in its early stages. For people at increased risk, appropriate screening can help detect lung cancer at an earlier stage. Low-dose chest CT has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk populations when used as a screening test.
In the U.S. National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), a large randomized study supported by the National Cancer Institute, screening with low-dose CT was associated with approximately a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality compared with chest X-ray among high-risk participants. Low-dose CT is not recommended indiscriminately for everyone; screening eligibility should be determined based on individual risk factors such as age and smoking history.
01. Risk Assessment
Age, smoking history, medical history,
and other risk factors are considered
when determining the need for lung cancer screening.
02. Imaging Evaluation
When appropriate, chest CT and other imaging studies
can be used to evaluate pulmonary nodules
and other lung abnormalities.
03. Diagnostic Follow-Up
When an abnormal finding is detected,
additional diagnostic tests and specialist consultations
can be arranged as needed.
Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital provides a One-Stop service for selected patients, allowing chest CT and consultation regarding the results to be coordinated within the same visit when applicable. This helps connect patients with suspected lung cancer, pulmonary nodules, or other abnormal findings to the appropriate diagnostic and specialist care.
SYMPTOMS
Possible Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. If respiratory symptoms persist or change, medical evaluation may be appropriate to determine the underlying cause.
Persistent cough
Blood in sputum or coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Hoarseness or voice changes
Recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite or fatigue
Changes in a chronic cough
※ These symptoms do not necessarily indicate lung cancer. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a medical professional.
TREATMENT PROCESS
Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Process
STEP 01
Initial Consultation
Symptoms and risk factors
STEP 02
Diagnostic Testing
CT, biopsy, and other tests
STEP 03
Staging & Characterization
Imaging, pathology, molecular testing
STEP 04
Treatment Planning
Multidisciplinary treatment planning
STEP 05
Treatment & Follow-Up
Surgery, systemic therapy, radiation, follow-up
WHY ILSAN PAIK HOSPITAL
Our Approach to Lung Cancer Care
Treatment Based on Cancer Characteristics
Treatment planning considers not only the type and stage of lung cancer, but also pathological and molecular characteristics and the patient's overall condition.
Integration of Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment
When surgery is appropriate, the most suitable surgical approach is considered. When systemic or radiation therapy is needed, the relevant specialists coordinate treatment.
Connecting Diagnosis with Treatment
Imaging, biopsy, pathology, and molecular test results are integrated into treatment planning so that appropriate care can follow an accurate diagnosis.
Considering Quality of Life
Treatment planning considers not only cancer control, but also pulmonary function, physical function, daily activities, and the burden of treatment.
PREVENTION
Lung Cancer Prevention and Health Management
Smoking Cessation
Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for lung cancer. For people who smoke, quitting is an important step toward reducing lung cancer risk.
Screening for High-Risk Individuals
People at increased risk should discuss the potential benefits and eligibility for lung cancer screening with a healthcare professional, considering factors such as age and smoking history.
Follow-Up of Pulmonary Nodules
When a pulmonary nodule is detected on CT or another imaging study, follow-up or additional testing may be recommended based on its size, appearance, changes over time, and individual risk factors.
Ongoing Respiratory Health Management
People with chronic respiratory diseases should maintain regular medical care and appropriate health management to support long-term lung health.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Lung Cancer
Q. Should I be screened for lung cancer even if I have no symptoms?
Lung cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms, particularly in its early stages. People at increased risk should discuss screening with a healthcare professional based on factors such as age, smoking history, and medical history.
Q. Does finding a pulmonary nodule on CT mean that I have lung cancer?
No. Not all pulmonary nodules are cancerous. Physicians consider the size, shape, location, changes over time, and individual risk factors when deciding whether additional testing or follow-up imaging is appropriate.
Q. Is lung cancer treated only with surgery?
Treatment depends on the type and stage of lung cancer and the patient's overall condition. In addition to surgery, treatment may include systemic therapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or combinations of these approaches.
Q. Does lung cancer surgery always require a large chest incision?
The surgical approach depends on the tumor's location and size, disease stage, and the patient's condition. Minimally invasive approaches such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may be considered when clinically appropriate.
Q. Why is multidisciplinary care important in lung cancer treatment?
Some lung cancers can be treated primarily with surgery, systemic therapy, or radiation therapy, while others require multiple treatments in sequence or in combination. Multidisciplinary review allows specialists to consider diagnostic findings and the patient's condition together when developing an overall treatment strategy.
Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital Lung Cancer Center
For accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment of lung cancer and pulmonary nodules, consult with our specialized medical team.
+82-31-910-7000