11_Pulm 4 Flashcards
What is the most frequent cause of cancer death in the US?
Lung cancer
Which of the following agent is not considered an occupational carcinogen?
a. Asbestos
b. Chloromethyl methyl ether
c. Nickel, arsenic
d. Aromatic hydrocarbons
e. All of the above
f. None of the above
e. all of the above
What are the general characteristics of small cell carcinoma?
- Cells with very little cytoplasm (thus appear small) and a neuroendocrine appearance –> nucleus is most prominent (cells appear blue)
- Gross: central masses and lymphadenopathy
- Microscopic: mucosal & submucosal invasion
In which form of lung cancer would you find the following characteristics:
- usually arises in the epithelium of proximal bronchi
- keratinization and “pearls”
- intercellular bridges
- hypercalcemia
Squamous cell carcinoma
Which form of lung cancer is usually found peripherally, commonly metastasizes, and may secrete GH, corticotropin, calcitonin, and FSH?
Adenocarcinoma
Also note:
Tumor cells forming glands and sometimes produce mucin
Which category of lung cancer cannot be classified as either adeno or squamous by microscopy because it is poorly differentiated?
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Two subtypes:
- giant cell
- clear cell
What are the constitutional signs/symptoms of lung cancer?
- anorexia/weight loss
- weakness
- fever
- clubbing
What are the possible clinical presentations of non small cell lung cancer?
- asymptomic (if solitary pulmonary nodule)
- airway problems
- mediastinal spread (recurrent laryngeal nerve hoarseness, superior vena cava syndrome, diaphragm paralysis from phrenic nerve)
- metastasis
During an autopsy, you see this lung. It is encased in a thick, white, firm pleural tumor. A biopsy shows mesothelial cells in the parietal pleura. The individual’s chart reflects that they were a miner– what do you think is the cause of this tumor?
Mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure
