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Gong Chun
Oncology
About me
Hunan University of Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Oncology, Attending Physician, has been engaged in clinical work in oncology for many years, with rich clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of common oncological diseases.
Proficient in diseases
Specializing in common cancers of the respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and circulatory system.
Voices
How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
The first point is the diagnostic process for differentiated thyroid cancer. Initially, most patients may not have symptoms, while a minority might show symptoms due to invasion of surrounding organs. Ultrasound examination is the preferred method for diagnosing thyroid nodules. Ultrasound can clarify the number, nature, and location of thyroid nodules, as well as provide information on whether there are abnormally enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. It has a relatively high accuracy in identifying the nature of thyroid nodules. Currently, the most accurate test for determining the nature of thyroid nodules remains the fine needle aspiration cytology, which has a diagnostic sensitivity of 83-92% and specificity of 80-92%, but it is not 100% conclusive. The second point is about the diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer. Besides the tests common for thyroid cancers, additional tests for medullary thyroid cancer can include fine needle aspiration, ultrasound, and some serological tests, such as calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen tests.
Early symptoms of lung cancer
Early-stage lung cancer, especially peripheral lung cancer, often has no symptoms and is mostly found during chest X-rays or CT scans. The clinical symptoms of lung cancer are closely related to the location, size, pathological type of the tumor, whether it compresses or invades adjacent organs, and whether there is metastasis. The symptoms of lung cancer generally include: First, some symptoms of the primary tumor growing locally, including cough, hemoptysis, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. When the tumor grows inside a larger bronchus, it might cause some irritative coughing. Second, as the tumor continues to grow and affects the drainage of the bronchi, it may lead to secondary lung infections, presenting with symptoms such as cough and purulent sputum. Third, there might be bloody sputum streaked with blood or intermittent minor hemoptysis, though significant hemoptysis is very rare.
What causes lung cancer?
Lung cancer is caused by a variety of factors. Research indicates that lung cancer results from a combination of genetic defects, external and internal environmental factors, and personal factors. Numerous studies have confirmed that long-term and heavy smoking is the most significant carcinogenic factor for lung cancer. There is a positive correlation between the amount and duration of smoking and the incidence of lung cancer. The second factor is related to working in asbestos-related industries, which very much relates to the work environment, and also has a certain relation to smog. Indoor environmental pollution is also a very significant carcinogenic factor for lung cancer. This includes smoke from burning coal indoors, fumes from cooking oils in kitchens, and carcinogenic substances released by indoor decorating materials. Fourthly, internal human factors such as the immune status, metabolic abnormalities, genetic factors, and chronic lung infections are also related. The fifth factor involves irregular diet and rest habits, irritating foods, alcohol consumption, and heavy smoking.
Late-stage symptoms of breast cancer
The first symptom of advanced breast cancer is a lump in the breast, which may be larger than before, or there may be multiple lumps that are fixed to the surrounding tissues and have limited mobility. The second symptom is nipple discharge, which could be watery, serous, or milky. The third possible sign is changes in the skin, such as dimpling or an orange-peel texture. The fourth point includes the retraction of the nipple, abnormalities in the areola, and thickening and reddening of the nipple skin. The fifth point can involve pain in the breast. In advanced stages, the cancer may directly invade the nerves. Sixthly, advanced breast cancer may lead to metastases; for example, brain metastases might cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. If there are bone metastases, especially multiple bone metastases, symptoms could include pain in the lower back and pain along the sciatic nerve, among others.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. It is commonly found in individuals with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes, who are often prone to this type of disease, particularly in tropical regions where the condition is more prevalent. The incidence rate increases after the age of fifty, and the rate of occurrence between men and women within the same group is quite similar. In a minority of cases, melanoma can also occur in parts outside of the skin, such as the anus, rectum, esophagus, or inside the eyes. When the tumor is confined within the epidermis, referred to as in situ carcinoma, it can be cured through surgery. If there is metastasis, treatment may include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or local radiotherapy.
Cervical cancer leukorrhea characteristics
The characteristics of vaginal discharge in cervical cancer may include the presence of blood in the discharge. This is because cervical cancer often leads to increased vaginal discharge, which may also increase in quantity and might contain streaks of blood or bloody material. The discharge could be thin and watery or resemble rice wash water, and it might have a foul smell. In advanced stages, due to necrosis of the cancer tissue accompanied by infection, there can be a substantial amount of foul-smelling, purulent discharge resembling rice wash water. Therefore, these characteristics of the vaginal discharge are specific symptoms of cervical cancer. If such symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek medical consultation promptly to evaluate for cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer indicators
The main indicators of cervical cancer are still the examination of the cervix and cervical canal tissues. There are obvious cancerous changes, and under the microscope pathological sections can show tendencies of cell carcinogenesis, or already developed cancer. The second is the cytological examination of cervical scrapings, which detects the presence of cancer cells. The third is the iodine test, where areas that do not stain after iodine staining indicate a lack of glycogen in the epithelium, suggesting possible lesions. The fourth is colposcopy, which may reveal suspicious cancerous areas, allowing for biopsy to confirm cancer cells. The fifth includes ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc., which can detect mass occupying lesions, all of which are indicators of cervical cancer. Of course, abnormalities in tumor markers are also considered, but the main reliance is still on the indicators from pathological examinations to determine if it's cervical cancer.
Causes of cervical cancer
The causes of cervical cancer are closely related to several factors. Firstly, infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is highly related and is the fundamental cause of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Secondly, although HPV DNA is not detected in the tumor tissues of a minority of cases, particularly among older patients, epidemiological surveys indicate that early childbirth and multiple childbearing are closely related to the incidence of cervical cancer. Thirdly, it has been found that the incidence of cervical cancer in women is related to contact with high-risk men, such as those with penile cancer, prostate cancer, or those whose ex-wives had cervical cancer. Fourthly, smoking has a certain relationship with the incidence of cervical cancer as it can inhibit the body's immune function. Alcohol consumption, irregular diet, and lifestyle also have certain relationships with the incidence of cervical cancer.
How to prevent cervical cancer
How to prevent cervical cancer: Firstly, it is very important to prevent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). So, how can one prevent HPV infection? First, in choosing sexual partners, one should select a healthy male, generally a steady one, and avoid relationships with men who have penile cancer, prostate cancer, or whose ex-wife had cervical cancer, as these men are considered high-risk, and the women they come into contact with are also at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Secondly, we should pay attention to personal hygiene. Thirdly, one should enhance their physical constitution to prevent viral infections and to maintain cleanliness. Fourthly, attention should be given to prevention of other contributing factors, such as early childbirth. Therefore, it is necessary to choose an appropriate age for childbirth. Multiple births are also related to cervical cancer, so if pregnant, one should avoid miscarriage and multiple dilation and curettage procedures. Fifthly, adhere to a healthy and reasonable diet, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Our treatment principle is that once an ovarian tumor is detected, surgical treatment should be performed. First and foremost, we need to confirm the diagnosis. Second, we should clarify the pathological staging of the ovarian cancer to guide the treatment. It's not a single approach; it's a comprehensive treatment plan. For example, if it is early stage and there are no surgical contraindications, we can proceed with surgical treatment. After the surgery, we can provide adjunctive chemotherapy. If surgery is not immediately feasible, we can also provide neoadjuvant therapy to reduce the stage before proceeding with ovarian cancer surgery. Moreover, there is now targeted therapy and immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, so it is a comprehensive treatment plan.