Lung Cancer
Primary bronchogenic carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the respiratory system. Historically, lung cancer was vividly compared to plague in the 10th century and tuberculosis in the 19th century. In 1997, mortality rates due to lung cancer among males and females in Shanghai ranked first among all tumors. [Etiology]: The causes of lung cancer are complex. Summarized into two major factors: First, environmental carcinogens. With industrial development, atmospheric pollution has become a serious issue—such as nitrosamines, asbestos, chromium, nickel, mustard gas, arsenic, asphalt, petroleum fumes, etc.—disseminated in air and water, entering the human body, becoming important carcinogenic factors. Second, personal factors: smoking is the most significant factor. Smoking index greater than 400 is significantly associated with lung cancer incidence. Smoking index = number of cigarettes smoked per day × years of smoking. Studies show smokers have 8.8 times higher risk of lung cancer than non-smokers. Tobacco contains specific carcinogen N-nitroso-4-hydroxybutyric acid, a cyclic nitrosamine, which becomes active carcinogen after activation, possessing carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. [Diagnosis]: With advances in medical technology and detection capabilities, most lung cancer patients can be detected via X-ray chest film, CT, SPECT 3D imaging, identifying small lung cancers hidden in lungs, behind diaphragm, behind heart, and beside spine. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy lung biopsy achieves up to 90% diagnostic accuracy for peripheral lung cancers, and percutaneous lung biopsy also provides high diagnostic rate. [Treatment Methods]: Activate blood circulation, resolve stasis, transform phlegm, dissipate nodules. Platycodon grandiflorum 12, Loquat leaf 15, Lily 12, Cortex Lycii 12, Ophiopogon japonicus 12, Astragalus membranaceus 24, Houttuynia cordata 20, Atractylodes macrocephala 18, Northern Adenophora stricta 18, Winterflower 12, Seven-leaf One-flower 15, Cat’s Claw Herb 18, Stemonae tuber 12, Citrus peel 6, Wild Buckwheat 12.
[Additions/Modifications]:
(1) For cough and shortness of breath, add Ephedra 9, Inula hookeri (wrapped) 15, Inula hookeri 10
(2) For hemoptysis, add Agrimonia eupatoria 18, Pollen of Typha 10, Imperata cylindrica rhizome 15
(3) For pleural effusion, add Alisma orientale 15, Plantago asiatica 18, Atractylodes macrocephala 20
(4) For high fever, add Scutellaria baicalensis 9, Bubalus bubalis horn 30
(5) For chest pain, add Sanqi powder 5, E Zhu 9, Corydalis yanhusuo 10
(6) For Qi and Yin deficiency, add Prince's ginseng 15, Gecko 1 pair (decoct separately)<Lung Cancer>