Types of Lung Cancer in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Classification of Lung Cancer in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lung cancer is not categorized using a single standardized system. Instead, classifications vary across different medical texts and clinical practices. However, the most widely accepted approach divides lung cancer into two primary categories: Deficiency Patterns (Xu Zheng) and Excess Patterns (Shi Zheng). These classifications are based on a patient's overall constitution, symptoms, and underlying imbalances in Qi, blood, and organ systems. Understanding these patterns helps practitioners tailor personalized treatment plans that go beyond symptom management to address root causes.

Deficiency Patterns in Lung Cancer

Deficiency patterns reflect a weakened state of the body's vital energy and are commonly seen in chronic or advanced stages of lung cancer. They typically stem from long-term depletion of Qi, blood, or Yin and often coexist in combination rather than appearing in isolation.

Qi Deficiency (Qi Xu)

Patients with Qi deficiency often experience persistent fatigue, low energy levels, shortness of breath, weak voice, pale complexion, and general lethargy. This pattern indicates a diminished functional capacity of the lungs and spleen, which play key roles in generating and distributing Qi throughout the body. Treatment focuses on tonifying the spleen and lungs to restore vitality and improve immune function.

Blood Deficiency (Xue Xu)

Blood deficiency shares some symptoms with Qi deficiency but includes additional signs such as sallow or extremely pale skin, dry and brittle nails, dizziness, palpitations, and blurred vision. In TCM, blood nourishes the organs and tissues, so its deficiency can impair healing and contribute to tumor progression. Herbal formulas aimed at enriching the blood and supporting liver function are typically prescribed.

Yin Deficiency (Yin Xu)

This pattern is characterized by internal heat due to insufficient cooling and moistening substances in the body. Common symptoms include afternoon fevers, night sweats, dry cough, redness on the cheeks (especially in the afternoon), irritability, and a red tongue with little coating. Yin deficiency often develops after prolonged illness or excessive heat exposure. Treatment emphasizes nourishing lung and kidney Yin while clearing residual heat.

Excess Patterns in Lung Cancer

Excess patterns indicate the presence of pathological factors such as phlegm, stagnation, or toxic heat. These tend to appear in more acute or active phases of the disease and are often associated with tumor growth and obstructive symptoms.

Phlegm-Dampness (Tan Zhuo)

Phlegm-dampness arises when the spleen fails to transform fluids properly, leading to accumulation in the lungs. Patients may suffer from frequent coughing, copious white or clear sputum, chest tightness, bloating, a swollen tongue with a greasy coating, and a slippery pulse. Therapeutic strategies focus on resolving phlegm, strengthening the spleen, and regulating fluid metabolism.

Blood Stasis (Yu Xue)

Blood stasis occurs when circulation is impaired, leading to the formation of masses or tumors. Symptoms include sharp chest pain, coughing up blood (sometimes with clots), rough or scaly skin, dark purple spots on the tongue, and a choppy or wiry pulse. This pattern suggests deeper tissue damage and is often linked to more aggressive disease. Treatment involves promoting blood circulation and removing stasis using herbs with invigorating properties.

Heat Toxicity (Re Du)

Heat toxicity represents an intense inflammatory or infectious component in the body. Patients may present with high fever, yellow or green thick sputum, a loud and forceful cough, restlessness, thirst, a red tongue with a yellow coating, and a rapid, forceful pulse. This condition reflects an overactive pathogenic factor and requires immediate intervention to clear heat and detoxify the system.

Complex and Mixed Patterns in Clinical Practice

In real-world clinical settings, pure deficiency or excess patterns are rare. Most patients exhibit complex combinations. For example, Qi and Yin deficiency commonly occur together, especially after chemotherapy or radiation. Similarly, phlegm and blood stasis frequently coexist, contributing to tumor formation and obstruction. Some individuals may even present with mixed deficiency-excess conditions such as yin deficiency with toxic heat or Qi deficiency complicated by phlegm-dampness.

These overlapping patterns require careful diagnosis through observation, pulse reading, and medical history analysis. Skilled TCM practitioners use this information to formulate individualized herbal prescriptions, acupuncture protocols, and lifestyle recommendations. The goal is not only to alleviate symptoms but also to restore balance, enhance resilience, and support conventional cancer therapies.

Conclusion: Integrating TCM Patterns for Holistic Care

While Western medicine focuses on tumor staging and molecular markers, TCM offers a complementary framework centered on energetic imbalances and systemic health. Recognizing the various types of lung cancer in TCM enables a more nuanced, patient-centered approach. Whether addressing deficiency, excess, or mixed syndromes, integrating traditional diagnostics with modern oncology can empower patients with comprehensive, holistic care options.