What items should be reviewed after lung cancer surgery

What items should be reviewed after lung cancer surgery?

The postoperative follow-up examination items for lung cancer mainly include physical examination, tumor marker examination, color Doppler ultrasound examination, chest CT examination and bone scan examination. By reviewing these items, we can better understand the postoperative recovery of lung cancer patients, which plays an important role in prolonging the life of patients.

1. Physical examination

One of the items that need to be reviewed after lung cancer surgery is a physical examination, including palpation of the cervical lymph nodes, chest observation, touch, tapping, and listening, etc. Through these physical examinations, doctors can better understand the patient's recovery after surgery, so as to make judgments and give better nursing suggestions.

2. Tumor marker test

Tumor marker testing is also one of the items in the postoperative review of lung cancer, such as the four lung cancer tests, including carcinoembryonic antigen test, neuron-specific enolase test, squamous cell carcinoma antigen test and keratin 21-1 test. By reviewing tumor markers, we can understand whether there is recurrence or spread after surgery. If there is any abnormality, the correct treatment plan should be given in time.

3. Color Doppler Ultrasound Examination

Postoperative follow-up for lung cancer also includes color Doppler ultrasound examination, which can see the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, etc. If lung cancer may metastasize to these parts, local enhanced CT examination is also required.

4. Chest CT scan

Chest CT is also an indispensable part of postoperative follow-up for lung cancer. Chest CT scan or enhanced CT can be performed. Through this examination, we can see whether there is metastasis in the lungs, mediastinal hilar lymph node metastasis, and pleural rib invasion.

5. Bone scan

After surgery, if lung cancer patients have bone pain symptoms, bone scans are required during follow-up examinations to see if there is bone metastasis and to understand the overall bone condition. If there is a problem, MRI examinations can be performed on important parts such as the spine or parts that require radiotherapy for further diagnosis. If there are no bone pain symptoms, bone scans can be performed once a year.