肺癌患者术后为什么要定期复查？

肺癌患者术后复发和转移率较高，还有一部分患者会再次患肺癌，这是恶性肿瘤的基本特征。因此我们要求肺癌患者术后都要进行定期检查、随访。第一条就是戒烟草！

一般来讲，术后第一年，每三个月复查一次；第二年，每半年复查一次；以后每年复查一次，持续终生。术后第一年并不是每次复查都查胸部CT，主要是复查与手术相关的项目。但有一点要强调：术后每年至少要做一次胸部CT复查，有助于发现肺部微小病灶转移。一旦查到有问题，就要及时治疗。尤其是III期非小细胞肺癌术后病人，更要进行定期复查。

术后需要进行辅助化疗的病人，一般是２１天一个疗程，需完成４－６个周期术后辅助化疗。每次化疗期间都要常规进行一些检查，如果发现了复发，就及时处理。

目前肺癌根治性手术后的局部复发的病人越来越少，更多的是远处转移，如骨转移、脑转移和腹腔脏器转移。如果出现了骨转移，就按照骨转移的治疗方法，防治骨相关事件的发生，如病理性骨折和骨痛的治疗，并进行全身化疗，或二线治疗。

定期随访检查的另一个好处是患者能及时的从医生那里得到关于肺癌治疗的最新进展，能在第一时间接受新技术、新药物的治疗。

定期随诊检查最少应持续5年以上。

Each year, tens of thousands of people are cured of lung cancer in the United States. After treatment for lung cancer ends, your doctor will outline a program of tests and visits to monitor your recovery and to check that the cancer has not returned. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests. During this period, any new problem without an obvious cause that lasts for more than two weeks should be brought to the attention of your doctor or nurse.

People treated for lung cancer may continue to have symptoms, even after treatment ends. Common post-treatment problems include pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Feelings of depression and anxiety may also persist after treatment, and fear of the cancer returning is very common. Often people feel that they have less support once the treatment has ended and that there is less assistance available from their doctors, nurses, and other programs, such as support groups. Your doctor and nurse can help you develop a plan to manage any problems that persist after treatment. There are also many available resources specifically designed for people following treatment:

• American Cancer Society (ACS) Cancer Survivor Network (www.acscsn.org)
  
  
• National Cancer Institute: Life After Cancer Treatment
  
  
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS): Cancer Survival Toolbox
  
  
• Cancer.Net: Survivorship

Nothing helps recovering people with lung cancer more than stopping smoking. There are many tools and approaches available. Enlist the support of your family, friends, nurses, and doctors-it is difficult to stop on your own.

People who develop lung cancer are at higher risk for developing a second lung cancer. Your doctor will recommend scans to monitor you for this possibility, so any new cancers can be detected at the earliest and most curable time.

People recovering from lung cancer are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. Because many survivors of lung cancer have smoked cigarettes in the past, they are at very high risk for heart disease, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Certain cancer treatments can further increase these risks. Even for those who are non-smokers, returning to your usual health routines after cancer is important for your overall well being. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs.

Moderate physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Recovering patients, even those using oxygen, are encouraged to walk for 15 to 30 minutes each day to improve their heart and lung functioning. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about Healthy Living After Cancer.