讀後心得

Seasonal changes can trigger coughing and difficulty breathing, often mistaken for a cold, but they may be signs of small cell lung cancer. This type of cancer grows rapidly and metastasizes quickly, commonly diagnosed in advanced stages, with an average survival period of only 4.9 months. Recently, a man in his 60s sought medical attention for difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer upon examination. As smoking is closely associated with this disease, quitting smoking is considered the most effective preventive measure, and regular check-ups can increase the chances of early detection. Currently, the health department is offering subsidies for low-dose computed tomography scans to encourage high-risk groups to undergo screening to safeguard their health.

As the seasons change, the weather fluctuates between cold and hot, often causing people to worry that respiratory discomfort and coughing are signs of a cold. However, doctors remind us that many of these symptoms may actually be signals of cancer, especially "small cell lung cancer," which is known for its rapid growth and strong metastatic capability, earning it the title of "king of lung cancer." Many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, with survival times often counted in months. Once the optimal treatment window is missed, there may not even be time to respond.

A man in his 60s went to the hospital due to difficulty breathing. After examination, a large tumor was found in his left lung that was compressing the pulmonary artery, leading to obstructive pneumonia, resulting in a diagnosis of "small cell lung cancer." The doctor pointed out that this patient exhibited very obvious symptoms at his first medical visit. Once the tumor in small cell lung cancer enlarges, symptoms often get confused with respiratory diseases like colds, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Many patients overlook "chronic cough" and "respiratory discomfort" until the tumor spreads to other tissues such as the trachea, heart, or nerves, leading to many patients being diagnosed with tumors that have already spread, requiring immediate and aggressive treatment. Therefore, it is advised to stay alert to any discomfort in the body.

The survival rate for small cell lung cancer is less than one year. Studies show that although the incidence of small cell lung cancer is lower compared to all lung cancers, its malignancy level is extremely high. According to the data, the five-year survival rate for small cell lung cancer is only 6%, and if it has entered the metastatic stage, the average survival time is just four and a half months. This characteristic makes small cell lung cancer difficult to detect and control early, often missing the golden treatment opportunity upon discovery, and its malignancy level is even higher than that of pancreatic cancer!

• Fast growth rate: Tumors spread rapidly, and symptoms often appear at an advanced stage.
• Strong metastatic ability: By the time of diagnosis, it often has metastasized to lymph nodes, pleura, or other organs.
• Short survival period: After entering the metastatic stage, the average survival period is only 4.9 months, with a five-year survival rate of only 6%.
• Unstable treatment response: First-line chemotherapy has a quick response, but it is prone to relapse, with limited options for subsequent treatments.

Recent studies have found that the neuroendocrine cells "NE cells" in small cell lung cancer generate their own electricity during their growth process and stimulate tumor metastasis through the production of electrical activity. Other cells within the tumor are responsible for supplying oxygen and glucose, working together to promote the rapid growth of small cell lung cancer. Research also shows that although "tetrodotoxin" does not immediately kill these cells, it can block electrical signals, inhibit their electrophysiological functions, and reduce their ability to worsen the tumor, offering new strategies for the treatment of small cell lung cancer!

To guard our health, the first line of defense should begin with lifestyle changes. Studies show that over 90% of small cell lung cancer patients have a history of smoking. Doctors point out that the association between small cell lung cancer and smoking is extremely high, thus quitting smoking is considered the most effective way to reduce the risk of small cell lung cancer. High-risk groups may consider seeking professional assistance to quit smoking and undergo low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans to facilitate the early detection of lung cancer, striving for better treatment opportunities.

Regular check-ups and early detection are key to increasing lung cancer survival rates. With suitable screening tools, it may be possible to mitigate the severity of illness for patients. Relevant organizations currently provide public subsidies for low-dose CT scans for high-risk groups, enabling them to apply for an examination every two years. It is advised to make good use of this opportunity to protect your health!