Objective To summarize postoperative symptom distribution rules in non-small cell lung cancer（NSCLC） patients and its core pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）. Under the guide of pathogenesis

to conduct modified TCM treatment according to syndrome differentiation

and to observe improvement in the symptoms and quality of life. Methods Firstly

49 NSCLC patients were included in observation group

and changes of symptoms and improvement of quality of life were observed for 4 consecutive months after operation to obtain symptom groups by clustering and to summarize the core TCM pathogenesis. Afterwards

48 NSCLC patients treated with TCM intervention within 4 to 6 months after the operation were included in the group. The treatment was to determine a main TCM prescription under the core pathogenesis

and to modify it according to syndrome differentiation.The treatment lasted for 1 month. An observation scale on postoperative symptoms in lung cancer was developed to score the symptoms

and the quality of life was evaluated by quality of life questionnaire for lung cancer patients（EORTC-QLQ-LC13）. The improvement of symptoms and life quality after the treatment were evaluated. Results Postoperative symptoms in NSCLC patients were mainly composed of shortness of breath

fatigue

cough

spontaneous sweating

chest tightness

expectoration

dry mouth. And these constituted the main symptom group. Without the medicinal intervention

the total symptom scores were significantly decreased 2

3 and 4 months after the operation as compared to that 1 month after the operation（P < 0. 05）. There was no significant difference in symptom scores 2 months and later after the operation（P > 0. 05）. Under the guidance of the core pathogenesis of major-qi collapse

Shengxian Decoction（升陷汤） was determined as the main prescription for modification and intervention according to syndrome differentiation. Before the treatment

shortness of breath was the main symptom

followed by cough

expectoration and dry mouth. After the treatment

the total symptom score was significantly lower than before（P < 0. 01）.Among them

the symptom scores of shortness of breath

cough

expectoration

chest tightness

fatigue

susceptibility to cold

loss of appetite

insomnia

dry mouth

palpitations and spontaneous sweating were all decreased compared with those before the treatment（P < 0. 05

or P < 0. 01）. In terms of functions in life quality evaluation

effective rates in improving physical

role

emotional and social functions and overall health status were 95. 83%

87. 50%

97. 92%

100% and 100%

respectively. The effective rates in improving abnormal symptoms of cardio-pulmonary function like fatigue

palpitations

shortness of breath and cough were 97. 67%

87. 80%

95. 56% and 87. 50%

respectively. Conclusion Postoperative NSCLC patients are mainly characterized by a symptom group including shortness of breath

fatigue

cough

spontaneous sweating

chest tightness

expectoration and dry mouth. The core TCM pathogenesis is major-qi collapse. Modified Shengxian Decoction can effectively improve postoperative symptoms in NSCLC patients and significantly improve their quality of life.